Socioeconomic status (SS) is an important factor in etiology and development of ischemic heart disease (IHD), influencing morbidity and mortality. Women demonstrate lower quality of life (QoL) and greater tendency to IHD induced depressions.

Evaluation of relation between socioeconomic status and QoL and depression in women with IHD.

Socioeconomic status determines QoL and depression level in women with IHD.

Socioeconomic status was verified in a survey based on: education, marital status, number of children, financial status. QoL and depression intensity was verified using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF36 test examining physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary of QoL. Correlations of ordinal scales were calculated using rang Spearman correlation ratio (R). Identification of correlation between nominal and ordinal variable rates was based on Kruskall-Wallis test. Test possibility was essential when p ≤ 0,05.

In tested group there were no relation between QoL and depression intensity versus marital status and number of children. Essential statistical correlations between financial status and psychological tests were proved. Such relation was negative for BDI (SS vs. BDI; R = −0,300; p = 0,005) and positive for SF36 (SS vs. PCS; R = 0,221; p = 0,04 and SS vs. MCS; R = 0,321; p = 0,003). Education level correlated negatively with depression intensity (R = −0,258; p = 0,02) and positively with MCS (R = 0,217; p = 0,005).

Higher education and better financial status secure lower depression intensity and higher MCS. Physical dimension of QoL (PCS) is affected only by better financial status. Marital status and number of children have no impact of QoL and depression level.