Effects of Problem-solving Skills Training on the Anxiety and Sleep Quality of Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and sleep disturbance and anxiety play a key role in the prognosis of these patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of problem-solving skills training (PSST) on the anxiety and sleep disturbance of cardiac patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in three stages before, after, and during a two-month follow-up after eight PSST sessions (one hour each). Sample population included 20 male patients with heart failure who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery at Imam Ali Hospital of Kermanshah, Iran. The patients were randomly divided into the experimental (n = 10) and control groups (n = 10). Data were collected using Spielberger’s state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Data analysis was performed in SPSS using the analysis of covariance to compare the groups. Results: MANCOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test indicated a significant difference in the sleep quality score of the patients at the posttest (P = 0.001) and follow-up (P = 0.017), as well as in the score of anxiety at the posttest (P = 0.01) and after the PSST intervention. However, no significant differences were observed in the scores of the control group at different stages of the study (P > 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results, PSST could improve anxiety and sleep quality in patients with heart failure. Therefore, it is recommended that such training be provided to cardiac patients.