Abstract
Background Delaying seeking health care for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) causes high mortality and morbidity with variations among men and women regarding reasons for this delay. Objectives This study explored factors associated with prehospital delay among men and women experiencing acute coronary syndrome for the first time in Jordan. Methods 35 men and 33 women with ACS admitted and treated at the coronary and postcoronary care units. Results Themes emerging from the data are knowledge about ACS, the resources related to health care, and concerns around family wellbeing. Owing to the traditional roles of men and women within the family, women felt responsible for maintaining the family, assisting in the financial conditions, and supporting family coherence by delaying hospitalization. Men were worried about the structural safety and maintenance of the family. Conclusion and Implications. Prehospital delay is common among first-timer ACS patients from both sexes, and thus, increasing awareness about ACS among the public from all age groups is necessary. Availability of specialized health care centers and equity in health care services are vital to improve public confidence in these health care settings and health outcomes.
Highlights
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a common cardiovascular disease that includes a number of conditions affecting adults from both sexes. ese conditions are unstable angina, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and non-STEMI [1]. e acute coronary syndrome (ACS) contributes to high mortality and morbidity rates leading to major defects in the life style of individuals and families [2]
Similar studies were not located in the Middle East in general and Jordan in particular, which has been reported to have a high prevalence of ACS among different age groups [3, 4]. e existing body of evidence reflects mainly Western Countries, such as Australia, the UK, and North America [2, 12, 13], and its applicability to Jordan can be questioned. erefore, this study explored factors associated with prehospital delay among men and women experiencing acute coronary syndrome for the first time in Jordan
Men were concerned about the wellbeing and the financial support of the family, and women were more concerned about the dynamics within the family and more often reported their fear about who will take care of children. erefore, patients from both sexes need to receive education that addresses role changes after ACS
Summary
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a common cardiovascular disease that includes a number of conditions affecting adults from both sexes. ese conditions are unstable angina, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and non-STEMI [1]. e ACS contributes to high mortality and morbidity rates leading to major defects in the life style of individuals and families [2]. E ACS contributes to high mortality and morbidity rates leading to major defects in the life style of individuals and families [2]. It is one of the main causes of death among adults in many countries around the world, including Jordan [3, 4]. Limited reports focused on reasons causing prehospital delay of individuals experiencing ACS from both sexes in Jordan and the region, which has been reported to worsen the prognosis leading to higher morbidity [5]. Delaying seeking health care for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) causes high mortality and morbidity with variations among men and women regarding reasons for this delay. Availability of specialized health care centers and equity in health care services are vital to improve public confidence in these health care settings and health outcomes
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