Ethnic minority members may be at risk for state hopelessness following hospitalization for ischemic heart disease

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine differences in state and trait hopelessness between ethnic minority and White patients hospitalized with ischemic heart disease (IHD). MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used to enroll 517 patients at one Midwestern U.S. hospital. The State-Trait Hopelessness Scale measured hopelessness. ResultsState hopelessness was higher in ethnic minority patients compared to Whites. Ethnic minority patients who had never been married had higher state hopelessness than those who were married or separated/divorced. There were no differences in trait hopelessness. ConclusionsEthnic minority patients with IHD, who have never been married, may be at higher risk for state hopelessness.