Psychological Recovery from Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: The Use of Complementary Therapies

Abstract

This study explored the use of complementary therapies that patients pursued after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and its relation to psychological recovery, particularly postoperative distress. Information about post-CABG surgery depression and general distress, health-care practice thereafter, perceived social support, and chronic conditions other than cardiac disease was gathered from a sample of 151 patients through two questionnaires. Additional cardiac, surgical, and demographic data were obtained from medical records. Structural equation modeling (LISREL 8) was used to test the hypothesis that patients' health-care practices improved psychological adjustment after CABG. Of the sample, 85% practiced complementary approaches, especially prayer, exercise, and lifestyle-diet modification. The number of other chronic illnesses strongly predicted post-CABG depression and general distress. CABG patients who pursued complementary approaches, particularly exercise and prayer, had better psychological recovery.