Mechanisms of Social Inequalities in Post-hospitalization Rehabilitation in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Mechanisms of Social Inequalities in Post-hospitalization Rehabilitation in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Aim: To identify psychological and socioeconomic predictors of cardiac-rehabilitation (CR) attendance and uncover mechanisms of CR non-attendance.

Design: Quantitative, observational, prospective study. Hypothesis a: Educational-level, comorbidity, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, cohabitation and distance from residence are predictors of CR attendance.

Hypothesis b: The expected social gradient in CR attendance is explained partly by differential exposure of comorbidity, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, cohabitation and distance to the rehabilitation clinic.

Design: Quantitative, observational, prospective study. Self-administrated questionnaires, medical journals and telephone interviews will be used for data collecting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to Nordsjællands Hospital (ICD10: DI210-DI219, DI200, DI200B, DI200C, DI23, DI24) will be invited to participate in the survey as an ongoing process during the inclusion period (N=267).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are not able to submit written consent are excluded. Thus, patients with severe cognitive dysfunction or poor language skills are excluded.