Determination of the relationship between alexithymia, spiritual well-being, and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease

INTRODUCTION: In this research, it was aimed to determine the predictors of quality of life (QoL) in coronary artery disease patients.
METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional research was carried out with 345 coronary artery disease patients in the cardiology clinic of a university hospital. The data were collected by using the Patient Information Form, Toronto alexithymia scale-20 (TAS-20), Spiritual Well-being Scale (SWBS), and heart QoL scale (HeartQoL).
RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 60.71±11.88 years in this study. The average total scores of the scales were TAS-20 56.81±14.81, SWBS 109.35±19.44, and HeartQol 1.46±0.69, respectively. HeartQol was predicted by the number of children (β=−0.672), occupation (β=9.154), social security (β=5.957), following diet program regularly (β=3.452), regular walking (β=2.981), and TAS-20 (β=−0.184).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The presence of alexithymia in coronary artery disease patients might affect the QoL adversely. Within the extent of holistic care, it is of great importance for nurses to diagnose alexithymic patients and to plan supportive interventions for this patient group for improve QoL.