Gender differences in the outcomes of participants in home programs compared to those in structured cardiac rehabilitation programs

Abstract

This study compared gender differences in outcomes of patients who had had coronary bypass surgery and either attended structured cardiac rehabilitation programs or participated in home programs. The principal advantages related to patients' attending a structured hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation program, compared to a home program, included increased exercise adherence for males and females, increased knowledge about the condition for males, and increased stress control for females. Return to work, self-efficacy, and aspects of self-care such as adherence to a medication regimen and smoking cessation were not significantly different, regardless of type of program, for either sex. In general, females at home fared the worst regarding lifestyle changes, showing decreased exercise adherence, decreased ability to control stress, and no significant increase in knowledge about their medical condition.