The purpose of this study was to identify whether certain factors related to accessibility can predict women's participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This cross-sectional comparative study used a convenience sample of 370 women cardiac patients who were treated and discharged between April 1, 1995, and September 30, 1995. A self-report instrument and medical record reviews were used to collect data at five hospitals and four CR centers in three midsized cities in northeastern Ohio. Differences between participants and nonparticipants were examined on the groups of variables. Logistic regression showed women's participation in CR to be overwhelmingly determined by physician referral (odds ratio [OR] = 0.000), which was more likely to occur if the patient had CR insurance (OR = 0.73). The probability of compliance with a referral in women with CR insurance and no history of coronary heart disease (CHD) was .89; with no insurance and a history of CHD, the probability of participation was .37. Participation was associated with level of education, coronary artery bypass surgery, and available transportation. We recommend the promotion and encouragement of the use of Clinical Practice Guidelines by physicians, and lower cost and more accessible approaches to CR, such as contracting with managed care, home rehabilitation, and community-based programs.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were differences in personal perceptions between women who participated in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and women who did not. This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 370 female patients who had been treated and discharged between April 1, 1995, and September 30, 1995. Three standardized scales, a self-report instrument, and medical records reviews were used to collect data at five hospitals and four CR centers in three midsized northeastern Ohio cities. Differences in personal perception and demographic variables between participants and nonparticipants were examined. Education, history of coronary heart disease (CHD), and specific cardiac diagnoses showed statistically significant differences between the groups. Logistic regression tested the model for participation. No variable or group of variables was found to predict CR participation in this sample of women. All cardiac patients need information about CR. Patients with less education, a history of CHD, and a diagnosis of stable angina need special instructions and closer follow-up.

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