Vulnerability factors from a pre-and post-myocardial infarction perspective: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Summary In- and out-of-hospital rehabilitation programmes have been developed to support patients in the recovery process after MI to engender a sense of security. In spite of these interventions, about one-fifth of the patients report emotional problems. The aim of this study was to uncover factors constituting vulnerability in persons with a history of myocardial infarction. A qualitative research method was used and 12 informants were strategically selected and interviewed. The findings showed that the vulnerability was composed of factors of anxiety, inferiority, insecurity, lack of intimacy, and disconfirmation. Each of the factors encompassed themes of life experiences pre-myocardial infarction as well as themes of expressions post-myocardial infarction. Data showed that the post-myocardial infarction expressions were reflecting the pre-myocardial infarction experiences. The findings were discussed in the light of emotional support and personal worth in order to increase the understanding of the vulnerability factors and their impact on recovery conditions. It was concluded that the person-world relationship was a basis for factors constituting vulnerability along the lifespan which affected the prerequisites for emotional well-being post myocardial infarction. Further research is needed, such as prospective and intervention studies, in order to generate generalizable information.