GENDER SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN REPORTING DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) low level of depressive symptoms is associated with coronary event recurrence and morbidity. Large epidemiological trials revealed that there is a disparity between males and females in their reports of different somatic depressive symptoms. The aim of our study was to identify gender differences in reporting depressive symptoms in patients with acute coronary events. Depreesion screening using BDI questionnaire was performed in patients with ACS in Emergency Cardiology center, Tbilisi, Georgia. The total number of participants was 84. Patients' data were collected from hospital records. Descriptive statistical tests were used for the calculation of frequencies, means and standard deviations. Chi-square test was applied for categorical variables in order to establish difference between groups. The Independent t-test was used to compare means for numerical variables. The mean age for both genders was 59.2 (10.2) years. Classic coronary risk factors were more prevalent in men than in women. However, women, compared to men have a greater number of cognitive as well as somatic depressive symptoms. Women hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome reported greater number of depressive symptoms compared to men. Early detection of depressive symptoms will help healthcare providers reduce risks and improve outcome of ACS.