Gender, Age, previous Myocardial Infarction, and Personality as Predictors of Anxiety in Patients after Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Objectives: The first research objective was to study the prevalence of anxiety in patients after myocardial infarction; next objective was to investigate demographic and personality predictors of anxiety. Methods: 100 hospitalized patients after myocardial infarction were studied. The Mini IPIP tool was used for the evaluation of personality characteristics and HADS-A scale was used for the evaluation of anxiety. Multiple regression was used as an analytical framework. Results: The prevalence of significant anxiety among patients after myocardial infarction was high, almost one half of patients reported abnormal anxiety symptoms. Female gender, higher age, higher neuroticism and lower conscientiousness explain 66% of the variability of anxiety. Personality traits of extraversion, openness, agreeableness and previous myocardial infarctions do not show as significant predictors. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety in the group of patients after myocardial infarction is high. Knowing predictors of anxiety is important for better provision of care.