Quality of life and social support among coronary artery bypass graft patients. A prospective study

ABSTRACT Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is among the most common procedures performed in the world and it is one of the possible treatments for a chronic cardio-vascular condition. The present study was conducted to examine the psychological status of the patients' prior to CABG and its influence of the patients' wellbeing before and after CABG. Psychological status of the patients in this study refers to their quality of life and social support (perceived and available). The study was conducted on a sample of 74 patients who underwent first-time elective CABG surgery. The major findings of the present study indicate that the psychological status (quality of life and social support) prior to surgery significantly influences the well being (depression, anxiety, energy and positive well being) of the patients. Gender differences in well being, quality of life and social support are noticed prior to the surgery, with the male patients being more energetic and reporting better well being. The male patients also report better quality of life. Further, patients whose spouses were homemakers reported better well being. The depression and anxiety scores of the patients reduced after the surgery with the reduction more for male patients.