A total of 129 workers (aged ?45 years) with CVD completed standardized instruments about self-care (Specific Adherence Scale ¦Á = .74), job characteristics (Job Content Questionnaire ¦Á = .71), and quality of life (MacNew health-related quality of life ¦Á = .84). Regression analyses were used to examine relationships between variables.
The sample had a mean age of 59.16 ¡À 8.83 years, 56.3 % were female, and 36.5 % were African-American. Self-care behaviors varied. Most workers (71.4 % ) reported medication adherence, and few adhered to diet (27 % ), exercise (18 % ), or symptom monitoring (31.3 % ). Psychologic job demands were negatively correlated to self-care (r = ?217, P = .02). Better adherence was reported by those with workplace support (r = .313, P = .001). Job characteristics explained 22 % of variance in self-care adherence behaviors. Adherence was a significant determinant of general quality of life.
Because job characteristics may interfere with self-care, clinicians should assess job demands and discuss stress management with employed patients. Interventions that foster worksite programs and facilitate self-care among workers with CVD are needed.