Personal resources and satisfaction with life in Marfan syndrome patients with aortic pathology and in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients

INTRODUCTION: Whether or not the source of aortic pathology is Marfan syndrome (MFS) or other processes leading to development of abdominal aorta aneurysms (AAA), the awareness of pathology may lead to an emotional upset and low assessment of satisfaction with life. AIM: To assess, in regard to MFS patients with aortic pathology and to abdominal aortic aneurysm patients: 1) whether or not self-efficacy (SE) and health locus of control (HLoC) affect the patients’ satisfaction with life; 2) whether the two groups of patients differ in terms of mental dispositions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 16 MFS patients with aortic pathology and 16 AAA patients, 9 men and 7 women in each group. The mean age of the MFS patients was 28.5 ±8.214, and of the AAA patients 64.25 ±7.019. The following scales were applied: Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. RESULTS: Abdominal aorta aneurysms patients compared to MFS patients gave a higher rating for SE (MD = 33.94 and MD = 29.56), internal health locus of control (MD = 25.00 and MD = 21.13), external personal HL(o)C (MD = 24.50 and MD = 19.25), external impersonal HLoC (MD = 23.06 and MD = 18.25), and satisfaction with life (M = 22.06 and M = 20.13). Internal and external HL(o)C were significantly lower in MFS patients compared to AAA patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with aortic diseases, special attention must be paid to the state of personal resources (PR). Interactions made by medical professionals should focus on enhancing PR supporting the patients’ self-knowledge on their SE. This will help to improve their satisfaction with life and form a positive attitude to the illness.