Health status and psychological distress among in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors in relation to gender

Abstract

Aim To describe health status and psychological distress among in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survivors in relation to gender. Methods This national register study consists of data from follow-up registration of IHCA survivors 3–6 months post cardiac arrest (CA) in Sweden. A questionnaire was sent to the survivors, including measurements of health status (EQ-5D-5L) and psychological distress (HADS). Results Between 2013 and 2015, 594 IHCA survivors were included in the study. The median values for EQ-5D-5L index and EQ VAS among survivors were 0.78 (q1–q3 = 0.67–0.86) and 70 (q1–q3 = 50–80) respectively. The values were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in women compared to men. In addition, women reported more problems than men in all dimensions of EQ-5D-5L, except self-care. A majority of the respondents reported no problems with anxiety (85.4%) and/or symptoms of depression (87.0%). Women reported significantly more problems with anxiety (p < 0.001) and symptoms of depression (p < 0.001) compared to men. Gender was significantly associated with poorer health status and more psychological distress. No interaction effects for gender and age were found. Conclusions Although the majority of survivors reported acceptable health status and no psychological distress, a substantial proportion reported severe problems. Women reported worse health status and more psychological distress compared to men. Therefore, a higher proportion of women may be in need of support. Health care professionals should make efforts to identify health problems among survivors and offer individualised support when needed.