Relationship between survivors' perceived health status following acute coronary syndrome and depression symptoms during early recovery phase

To examine and describe perceived health status and depression symptoms among Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) survivors, and to examine their relationship during survivors' recovery phase. A prospective design was used to test changeability of the key variables over a 1-month period for a cohort group of 82 post ACS patients, prior to their hospital discharge (Time 1) and at 4 weeks post discharge (Time 2). The revised version of Short Form-12 Health Survey and Beck Depression Inventory were used to measure the perceived health status and depression symptoms. The data were collected between 2003 and 2004. Perceived health status including mental health and physical health significantly improved over the 4-week period (t = -2.58, p <.05). Perceived health status during the hospitalization and length of hospital stay were significant predictors of depression symptoms during the early recovery phase. Patients' own perceptions about their health status need to be closely evaluated during the hospitalization in order to reduce the occurrences of later depression symptoms. Consequently, reducing depression symptoms and improving perceived health status should be addressed both in acute and chronic phases of ACS.