Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common cardiovascular condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. CAD represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among individuals aged 40 and older, affecting millions of men and women worldwide. Patients with CAD experience not only physical symptoms but also psychological challenges, including stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact quality of life. In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions have emerged as scientifically supported approaches to help individuals with chronic diseases manage stress and enhance emotional regulation skills. While the existing literature includes studies evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions in CAD and other cardiovascular conditions, most investigations address mixed patient populations and do not thoroughly examine sex-specific differences. Notably, women with CAD may experience symptoms and psychological effects differently than men. Therefore, there is a need for tailored, comprehensive intervention models that address the multidimensional needs of female patients, including stress management, anxiety reduction, and empowerment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in women with CAD, providing a targeted approach that addresses both clinical and psychosocial outcomes. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights into improving quality of life and enhancing coping strategies for women living with chronic cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) for at least 1 month.
Score of 14 or higher on the Short Form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-SF) at baseline.
At least primary school education.
Age between 18 and 50 years.
Individuals with hearing or language impairments that would hinder communication.
Women who have entered menopause.
Women with psychiatric disorders.
Participants who choose to withdraw from the study.
Parallel
Mindfulness-Based Intervention Program
BehavioralThis intervention is an 8-week structured mindfulness-based program designed to cultivate awareness related to anxiety, psychological resilience, and quality of life in women with coronary artery disease. The program includes meditation, breathing, and mindfulness exercises, distinguishing it from the standard care received by the control group.
Cardiac Quality of Life Scale
The Heart Quality of Life Scale (HeartQoL) is a reliable instrument developed to assess quality of life in individuals with ischemic heart disease (Oldridge, 2014). The scale consists of 14 items, with 10 assessing physical aspects and 4 assessing emotional aspects. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. It can be applied to individuals aged 18 and above. Turkish validity and reliability were established by Duğan (2018).
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - Short Form (STAI-SF)
The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - Short Form (STAI-SF) is a reliable tool developed to assess general anxiety levels in individuals (Spielberger et al., 1970). Its Turkish adaptation was made by Öner and Le Compte (1985). The short form was later developed by Zsido et al. (2020) and consists of 5 items using a 4-point Likert scale. Scores of 14 or higher indicate clinically significant anxiety. The internal consistency ranges between 0.83-0.86, and its Turkish validity and reliability have been established (Döner et al., 2021). The scale can be applied to individuals aged 18 and above.
Coronary Artery Disease Empowerment Scale
The Coronary Artery Disease Empowerment Scale (CADES) is a reliable tool developed to assess patients' ability to manage their health and their empowerment levels (Kim et al., 2021). The scale consists of 24 items across three subscales: Autonomy (12 items), Emotional Self-Control (6 items), and Perceived Personal Competence in Disease Management (6 items). Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale; higher scores indicate greater empowerment. Turkish validity and reliability were established by Çetin and Arslan (2023). The scale can be applied to individuals aged 18 and above.
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TC Erciyes University
Lead sponsor
Kayseri City Hospital
Collaborator
