Gender differences in motivations and perceived effects of Mind-Body Therapy (MBT) practice and views on integrative cardiac rehabilitation among acute coronary syndrome patients: Why do women use MBT?

Background: Over one-third of cardiac patients practice Mind-Body Therapy (MBT), particularly women. Considering women are less likely to engage in conventional physical activity, few studies have examined why MBT is well-accepted by women. Objectives: To qualitatively explore gender differences in the motivations for, and perceived effects of MBT, and the inter-relationships among alternative and conventional physical activities and secondary prevention programs. Methods: A random subsample of 16 participants (8 female) who reported practicing MBT in a larger study of 661 cardiac patients was interviewed until theme saturation was achieved. Audiotapes were transcribed and coded based on interpretive-descriptive technique within Nvivo-7 software. An audit trail and second coder were utilized to ensure the transparency and validity of results. After main themes emerged, the data were split by gender to identify differences for each theme. Results: Five themes emerged: (1) promotes positive well-being, (2) physical health benefits, (3) intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, (4) proactive health orientation, and (5) MBT as a preferred complementary and/or alternative physical activity. Men more often expressed preference for MBT for increased positive mood and cardiac-specific benefits, whereas women emphasized stress reduction, increasing self-efficacy, and physical activity, and were eager to see MBT offered in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Conclusions: Both male and female users perceived substantial psychosocial and physical benefits of MBT practice. MBT addresses some of women's common barriers to CR.