Sex differences in illness beliefs and illness behavior in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

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D van Tiel1, K P van Vliet, C J Moerman

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Oegstgeest, Netherlands.

Patient Education and Counseling
|September 11, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Men and women underestimate their coronary artery disease (CAD) risk and delay seeking care. Increased awareness of CAD symptoms and personal risk factors is crucial for both sexes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects both sexes, yet illness beliefs and behaviors may differ.
  • Understanding these differences is vital for timely diagnosis and effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex-based disparities in illness perceptions and patient behavior among individuals with suspected CAD.
  • To identify potential barriers to prompt medical attention in suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 patients (16 women, 12 men) presenting with symptoms suggestive of CAD.
  • Explored participants' beliefs about CAD, risk perception, symptom attribution, and patient delay.

Main Results:

  • Both men and women perceived CAD as a "men's disease" but possessed similar knowledge of risk factors.
  • Men underestimated their personal CAD risk compared to their sex's general risk and women's risk.
  • Neither sex consistently attributed cardiac symptoms to the heart, with women exhibiting longer patient delays when symptoms were indicative of CAD.

Conclusions:

  • Both sexes require enhanced awareness regarding personal CAD risk and symptom manifestation.
  • Physicians should proactively inquire about and address patients' illness beliefs and knowledge gaps concerning CAD.
  • Targeted educational interventions may be necessary to mitigate sex-based differences in CAD awareness and healthcare-seeking behavior.

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