Determinants of return-to-work in young and middle-aged acute myocardial infarction survivors: a prospective cohort study
Shuqian Qiao, Xinyi Chen, Xi CaoObjective:
To investigate the trajectory and determinants of return-to-work among young and middle-aged acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors within 6 months post-discharge in China.
Methods:
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 130 AMI patients in Guangzhou. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and work-related factors were collected. Generalized estimation equations were used to identify factors associated with return-to-work.
Results:
The return-to-work rates at 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-discharge were 54.6%, 67.7%, and 82.3%, respectively, showing a decelerating increase. Longer pre-hospitalization working hours, obesity, no stroke history, and high return-to-work self-efficacy significantly predicted return-to-work.
Conclusions:
Return-to-work rates increase at a decelerating pace post-discharge. Self-efficacy is a key modifiable determinant, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance patients' confidence and promote sustained employment after AMI.