Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to handle missing data and time-dependent variables in longitudinal studies: an application to assess the evolution of Health Related Quality of Life in coronary patients.

Objectives: to analyse the evolution of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) in coronary patients (CP) and to identify predictive factors influencing this evolution in a situation with missing data and time-dependent variables.

Design: prospective study with repeated measures.

Setting And Participants: a total of 175 CP were included.

Gender differences and determinants of health related quality of life in coronary patients: a follow-up study.

Background: The role of gender differences in Health Related Quality Life (HRQL) in coronary patients is controversial, so understanding the specific determinants of HRQL in men and women might be of clinical importance. The aim of this study was to know the gender differences in the evolution of HRQL at 3 and 6 months after a coronary event, and to identify the key clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics of each gender associated with these changes.

Methods: A follow-up study was carried out, and 175 patients (112 men and 63 women) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or unstable angina were studied.

Construct and criterion validity of the SF-12 health questionnaire in patients with acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the construct and criterion validity of the 12-item short-form questionnaire (SF-12) in coronary patients with either acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina in Spain.

Method: A total of 186 patients hospitalized with coronary heart disease have been studied. The construct validity has been analysed by means of the association between the SF-12v.