[Psycho-social experiences and quality of life of pacemaker patients in Cotonou]

The aim was to study the psycho-social experiences and quality of life (QOL) of pacemaker patients at the National Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou.

A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was performed in 2017 and included over a three-month period all pacemaker patients admitted on an ambulatory basis. The psychological impact of wearing a pacemaker was studied, as well as the limits and constraints of daily life and the quality of life appreciated by the SF-36 score.

Fifty-five (55) patients were included with an average age of 67 ± 11.3 years. In terms of psychological impact, 98.2% (n=54) had a good overall perception of their health status. However, 60.6% (n=33) perceived pacemaker use as a handicap and 52.5% (n=29) wanted psychological support in post-implantation. Limitations and constraints mainly concerned lateral decubitus on the side of the pacemaker (54.5%, n=30), travel (27.3%, n=15) and sexual relations (21.8%, n=12). The average quality of life was rated good in 6 out of 8 dimensions. The level of quality of life was independent of gender.

This study has highlighted misperceptions of daily life that may hinder the expected improvement in post-implantation patient performance. Psychological support and enhanced communication with these patients are needed.