Socioeconomic differences in the pathways to diagnosis of coronary heart disease: a qualitative study

European Journal of Public Health
Sara L SchröderMatthias Richter

Abstract

Socioeconomic inequalities in coronary heart disease (CHD)-related morbidity and mortality are well explored. However, less is known about the causes of inequalities in CHD treatment. In this qualitative study, we explored socioeconomic differences in the pathways to diagnosis of CHD. The data originated from 38 semi-structured interviews with older CHD patients, aged 59-80 years, conducted at the university hospital in Halle, Germany, between November 2014 and April 2015. We analysed the narratives related to the time before CHD was confirmed by coronary angiography electively or urgently. Transcripts were analysed following inductive qualitative content analysis and we identified socioeconomic differences by comparing and contrasting patients' narratives. The patients interpreted their symptoms based on expectations, normalization, relief and obtaining help from third parties. For those experiencing chronic CHD symptoms, only patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) waited to seek healthcare until they suffered myocardial infarction. Mainly low-SES patients procrastinated in undergoing diagnostic procedures. We found no socioeconomic differences in the urgent pathway. However, along the elective pathway, only low-SES pati...Continue Reading

References

Jul 28, 2001·BMJ : British Medical Journal·A M TodJ Abbott
Jun 1, 2002·BMJ : British Medical Journal·Helen Mary RichardsGraham Charles Murray Watt
Jul 30, 2005·European Journal of Public Health·Kristiina Manderbacka
Sep 18, 2007·International Journal for Quality in Health Care : Journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care·Allison TongJonathan Craig
Apr 3, 2008·American Journal of Public Health·Laura A SiminoffSaid Ibrahim
Jul 11, 2008·European Journal of Public Health·Kirsten M NielsenMogens L Larsen
Jul 22, 2009·Sociology of Health & Illness·Karen E Lutfey, John B McKinlay
Oct 26, 2010·Clinical Research in Cardiology : Official Journal of the German Cardiac Society·Ulrike M MüllerHolger Thiele
May 24, 2012·Clinical Research in Cardiology : Official Journal of the German Cardiac Society·Inge KirchbergerChrista Meisinger
Sep 10, 2013·European Heart Journal·Melanie NicholsMike Rayner
Sep 10, 2015·The American Journal of Emergency Medicine·Ju Yeon HeoYoung Sun Ro
May 26, 2016·European Journal of Public Health·Giuliana De LucaGiuseppe Costa
Jun 12, 2016·International Journal of Cardiology·Sara L SchröderAstrid Fink

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

May 31, 2019·Clinical Research in Cardiology : Official Journal of the German Cardiac Society·Angela P MoisslTanja B Grammer
Jun 21, 2021·Health and Quality of Life Outcomes·Andrew R StephensNikolas H Kazmers

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.