Why do women with cardiac symptoms delay seeking medical help? Insights from a qualitative study among Jewish Israeli
Maia Asher1, Noa Vilchinsky1, Rivka Tuval-Mashiach1
1Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
Background:
The delay time from onset of symptoms of a myocardial infarction to seeking medical assistance can have life-threatening consequences. Women delay significantly more often than men do in calling for medical help, once symptoms of a myocardial infarction occur.
Objectives:
The current qualitative study's main aim was to explore psychosocial factors that contribute to Israeli women's delaying calls for medical assistance and, by contrast, the motivational factors that encourage them to do so.
Design:
A qualitative study.
Method:
In total, 12 women were interviewed shortly after experiencing a myocardial infarction. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis.
Results:
Two major themes emerged describing barriers to seeking help: (1) the use of denial as a defense mechanism and (2) the need for control. The motivational factor which enhanced help-seeking was "fear of death."
Conclusion:
These findings may help in designing gender-sensitive interventions with the aim of minimizing the symptom onset to call time and thus preventing irreversible and life-threatening health damage.
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