Symptom Experience and Related Factors in Patients with Angina Pectoris

협심증 환자의 증상경험과 관련요인에 관한 연구

Purpose: This study was done to examine symptom experiences and related factors in angina patients. Method: The participants were 92 patients admitted to C university hospital between October and December 2004. The tools used were a questionnaire on symptom experience related to angina developed by Gensini(Coronary Angiographic Gensini Score). Global Assessment of Recent Stress Scale and a tool measuring performance of health behavior. Results: The mean score for symptom experience was relatively low (M=27.65, SD=18.44) as was the score for coronary severity (Gensini score) was 16.30 point (SD=18.04). The mean score for perceived stress was moderate (M=30.16, SD=12.26). Compliance was relatively good in these patients with angina (M=61.55, SD=7.60). Analysis of the correlation of symptom experience showed a statistically significant positive relationship with perceived stress (r=.410, p=.000). There was significant negative relationship (r=-.251, p=.016) between symptom experience and compliance. In the regression analysis, symptom experience was found to be significantly influenced by stress ($R^2$=.168, p=.000), age ($R^2$=.057, p=.002), and economic status ($R^2$=.061, p=.007). These variables explained 26.2% of the variance in symptom experience. Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence that symptoms of angina can present not only as chest pain itself but also with fatigue, shortness of breath, and sleep disturbance as the most common symptoms.