Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and quality of life: An experience among cardiac patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Zohreh Khayam Nekouei
. Alireza Yousefy 1
. Gholamreza Manshaee 2

1 Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

2 Isfahan Branch of Sciences and Research, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
Background: Considering the significance of quality of life in chronic diseases and the role of
education in its improvement, this study was performed to investigate the effect of cognitivebehavioral therapy on improving the quality of life of cardiovascular patients in Isfahan city.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 56 patients, who referred to Chamran
Hospital and Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, were randomly selected and assigned
to two groups, i.e. experiment and control. The experiment group was trained in eight sessions, each session taking 2 hours. Both groups received MacNew quality of life questionnaire
before and 2 weeks after treatment. Some demographic data were also gathered along with
the questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using statistical tests such as independent t-test, Chi-square, and analysis of covariance. Results: Observing the possible effect
of pre-test, cognitive-behavioral therapy had a significant effect on the total score of quality
of life and its three subscales. Conclusion: It seems that along with other medical therapies,
making use of cognitive-behavioral intervention is an appropriate method for improving the
quality of life of cardiovascular patients.

Keywords

Alternative medicine
cardiovascular patients
CBT
cognitive-behavioral training
MacNew questionnaire
quality of life
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 2, Issue 1
Winter 2012
Pages 1-4

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