Stress, and its role in illness - IV
The next study we report on (reference 7), takes place in a different scenario than the others - it involves marital stress. The study looks at 292 women with coronary heart disease, followed for an average of 5 years, and correlates recurrences of the disease with marital stress determined by a 17-question structured interview. To see the entire questionnaire (an EXCEL spreadsheet), click here. Depending on the score, stress was categorized as mild, moderate or severe. Work stress was measured independently, using a separate questionnaire. Likewise, work stress was categorized as mild, moderate or severe.
The study finds that women with severe marital stress (compared to mild or moderate stress) had an increased risk ratio for repeat events - 2.91 (1.32 to 6.84 Margin of Error). Work stress and work lack of control both indicated an increased the risk for repeat events, but the results were not sufficiently significant (statistically) to be conclusive. Obviously, marital bliss is an asset for women with heart disease...