Problem Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of adults aged 65 and older. Over 55% of coronary artery bypass surgeries (CABS) are on older adults. Older adults have more complications after CABS compared to younger and middle adults. Given that older adults' outcomes are poorer, coping in older adults having first time CABS was examined in relation to preference for information and control to test the theoretical model developed from studies of younger CABS patients. Theoretical Framework Theories of preference for information (Miller; Krantz), coping (Lazarus & Folkman), and older adulthood guided this study. Design and Method The prospective descriptive design included interviews preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. Measures of Preference for Information (via the Krantz Health Opinion Survey), Perceived Control (Control Attitudes Scale), Coping (Ways of Coping Questionnaire), Depression (Geriatric Depression Scale) and Functional Status (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12) were performed. Reliabilities ranged from 0.55 to 0.74. Subjects Seventy adults aged 72 (SD 10.9) years having first-time CABS by one group of surgeons in three Midwestern hospitals. Results Participants preferred moderate information, perceived moderate control, and used positive reappraisal to cope. Higher age was significantly related to poorer postoperative physical function. Women had significantly greater depression and poorer functional status both preoperatively and postoperatively. Higher preference for information was related to better postoperative physical function. Seeking social support and positive reappraisal were related to shorter stay. Although depression was low overall, preoperative depression was significantly related to coping, functional status, and depression. Canonical relationships were not statistically significant. Conclusions The theoretical model drawn from younger and middle adults did not effectively predict older adults’ experiences. Reliable research instruments need to be developed for older adults. Nurses need to be aware of preference for information, gender differences and depression in older adult CABS patients.
Session #1213 - Cardiovascular Interventions and Outcomes
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)