Classification(s): Behavior/Lifestyle Modification; Psychology/Psychiatry

Introduction: Previous research on the use of the psychosocial assessment tool the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) in cardiac rehabilitation programs has found the General Severity Index contained in this test to be a significant predictor of short term future incidence of cardiac events. The more recently developed Psychosocial Risk Factor Survey (PRFS) measures specific cardiopulmonary risk factors and includes a Total Distress Scale that might be comparable to the General Severity Index of the SCL-90-R.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine if the Total Distress Scale of the PRFS is comparable to the previously studied General Severity Index of the SCL-90-R and therefore might possess similar characteristics such that it might predict the probability of another cardiac event.

Design: Data from the validity study of the PRFS conducted in 2005-2006 were analyzed to determine if there was a significant correlation between the General Severity Index of the SCL-90-R and the Total Distress Scale of the PRFS.

Methods: There were 79 cardiopulmonary rehabilitation patients who took the PRFS and the SCL-90-R in the initial 2 weeks their rehabilitation programs. The sample consisted of 52 men and 27 women who ranged in age from 39 to 87 years. The two generalized distress scales were statistically evaluated using Pearson Correlation Coefficient analysis.

Results: Analysis yielded a significant correlation of r = .70, P < .001 indicating that the General Severity Index and the Total Distress Scale are strongly correlated.

Conclusions: Since the Total Distress Scale of the recently developed PRFS is strongly correlated with the General Severity Index of the SCL-90-R and this latter scale has been found to be a predictor of short term future incidence of cardiac events, it is suggested the Total Distress Scale also holds promise to be a similar predictor of future cardiac events as well.