Disparity in perceived illness intrusiveness and illness severity between cardiac patients and their spouses

Recovery following a cardiac event is a complex physiological and psychological process that seldom occurs in isolation. The interdependence of a marital relationship may result in the spouse influencing the patient's overall recovery and the psychological well-being of both. The aim of the study was to assess whether perceived illness intrusiveness and illness severity differed between cardiac patients and their spouses and whether their perceptions were modified by treatment received. A thematic analysis of written feedback from patients and spouses informed the interpretation of the quantitative results.

Sixty-two male cardiac patients and their female spouses completed the Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale and Perceived Severity of Illness Scale. Participants also provided written comments about anticipated life changes. A 2-way mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare patient and spouse scores.

There were no differences in terms of perceived illness intrusiveness. A statistically significant higher level of perceived illness severity was reported by spouses whose husbands had cardiac surgery (difference = 48.8 points, F1,59 = 23.2, P = .001). Five themes emerged from the written responses of the patients: anticipated lifestyle change, change in self-perception, reprioritization, enhanced quality of life, and uncertainty. Four themes emerged from the spouses: taking on responsibility, uncertainty, enhanced quality of life, and getting back to normal.

Spouses of cardiac surgery patients had different perceptions about illness than their patient-partner. Future research should be directed toward a better understanding of how divergent illness beliefs develop during the recovery period, and how they impact physical and psychological well-being.