Sex differences in patient recovery patterns after coronary artery bypass surgery

To describe sex differences in physical, psychologic, and social recovery patterns after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS).

Repeated measures between groups (men versus women) design. Data were collected before discharge from the hospital and at 1, 3, and 6 weeks after discharge.

Five teaching hospitals: one urban, three suburban, and one midstate hospital that serves rural and urban clients

The initial sample consisted of 187 men and 70 women; 132 men and 47 women completed the study.

Physical recovery was assessed by three subscales of the Sickness Impact Profile--ambulation, sleep-rest, body care and movement; a Symptom Inventory, and a Cantril Ladder Scale. Psychologic recovery was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a Cantril Ladder Scale. Social recovery was measured by three subscales of the Sickness Impact Profile--home management, social interaction, and recreation and pastimes.

All measures indicated significant improvement over time with the exception of self-esteem and perception of mental health, which remained stable. There were significant differences between men and women on five recovery variables: ambulation dysfunction, physical symptoms, perceptions of physical health, symptoms of depression, and home management dysfunction.

Though it is encouraging that both sex groups experienced significant improvement in recovery over time, men and women show some differences in recovery experiences that need to be considered when planning their care.