Predicting Return to Work Following Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) significantly impacts a patient's ability to return to work.
• Understanding factors influencing return to work is crucial for patient recovery and economic participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion of patients returning to work within three months post-MI.
• To identify factors predicting return to work after myocardial infarction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 136 participants post-MI.
• Data collected via questionnaires at baseline and three months post-discharge.
• Binary logistic regression used to identify predictors of return to work.

Main Results:

• 87.5% of pre-MI working participants resumed work by three months.
• Age, gender, smoking, readmission, comorbidities, diabetes, social support, anxiety, and depression were associated with return to work.
• Age, gender, smoking, anxiety, and depression significantly predicted return to work.

Conclusions:

• The majority of patients can return to work within three months post-MI.
• Interventions should target modifiable factors like mental health, comorbidities, smoking, and social support.
• Collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, families, and employers is key for successful return-to-work programs.