Gender-specific evaluation of coronary disease patients' self-esteem and social support

The purpose of this descriptive study was to evaluate the social support and self-esteem of coronary disease patients hospitalized for the clinical treatment of this disease. The sample consisted of 80 patients, 49 men, 52 married, and with an average age of 52 years. Interviews took place from August 2005 to July 2006. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, and the measured social support and self-esteem were compared by the descriptive statistics, and the social support and self-esteem measures were compared using the Mann-Whitney test, according to patient gender. Internal consistency was verified, achieving values that indicate good internal consistency for both scales. The results showed high social support and self-esteem values in the studied group. No statistically significant differences were found between these values, according to patient gender. These variables have been pointed out as aspects that favor the rehabilitation process of heart disease patients after hospital discharge.