Demographic differences in religious coping after a first-time cardiac event.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Cardiac events significantly impact patients' psychological well-being.
• Coping strategies, including religious ones, play a role in recovery.
• Understanding patient demographics is crucial for tailored support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe demographic characteristics of patients using religion as a coping response to a first-time cardiac event.
• To explore the relationship between demographics and religious coping strategies.

Main Methods:

• 105 patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation post-myocardial infarction or revascularization were studied.
• The Religious Coping Activities Scale was administered.
• Demographic variables (age, gender, religion, diagnosis, marital status, education) were analyzed against 6 types of religious coping.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in religious coping were found based on gender, religious affiliation, marital status, and education.
• Women utilized spiritually based activities, good deeds, and religious avoidance coping more than men.
• Patients with no religious affiliation reported lower use of good deeds and interpersonal religious support, but higher discontent coping.

Conclusions:

• Demographic characteristics are associated with specific religious coping strategies in cardiac patients.
• Assessment of patients' desire for pastoral intervention is recommended during cardiac rehabilitation.
• Tailored support considering religious coping may enhance patient recovery.