Policy Strategies to Improve Women's Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Document Type : policy brief

Authors

1 Professor of Cardiology, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 MD, Interventional Cardiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

3 MSc, Chamran Cardiovascular Medical and Research Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 MD, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

5 Psychiatrist, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 BS, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

7 MSc, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

8 Assistant Professor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10.48305/jims.v43.i839.1532

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are recognized as the leading cause of annual mortality in the country. Although in past decades the main focus has been on reducing acute mortality from these diseases, today global attention has shifted to the post-discharge phase of patients, namely cardiac rehabilitation. Meanwhile, cross-sectional study evidence indicates gender inequality in recovery from cardiovascular diseases. In this way, women are referred to and have access to rehabilitation programs at a lower rate than men. Even if they participate, rehabilitation indicators are significantly weaker for them. This gap is visible in both access to services and rehabilitation outcomes. In this regard, this policy brief, focusing on research findings and holding an expert panel, presented, analyzed, and explained five suggested strategies to address the issue of women's participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs. These include: "reforming the referral process through education and awareness-raising for physicians and healthcare staff"; "using technology and developing remote rehabilitation programs (telerehab)"; "designing targeted financial and insurance incentives for low-income women"; "establishing easily accessible local rehabilitation centers"; and "flexibilizing programs to meet the specific needs of working women and mothers." Achieving the effectiveness of these strategies, promoting women's health, and optimizing social and economic outcomes for families and society requires cross-sectoral coordination, smart planning, and equity-oriented planning in health policymaking.

Highlights

Masoumeh Sadeghi: Google Scholar 

Zahra Teimouri-Jervekani:  Google Scholar

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1. de Melo Ghisi GL, Kim W-S, Cha S, Aljehani R, Cruz MMA, Vanderlei LCM et al. Women’s cardiac rehabilitation barriers: results of the international council of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation’s first global assessment. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39(11): S375–S383.
  2. Najafi M, Teimouri-Jervekani Z, Jamalian M, Roohafza H, Paknahad MH, Hadavi MM, et al. Gender differences in cardiac rehabilitation participation and outcomes: an 18-year retrospective study in Iran. The Egypt Heart J 2024; 76(1): 133.
  3. Firoozabadi MG, Mirzaei M, Grace SL, Vafaeinasab M, Dehghani-Tafti M, Sadeghi A et al. Sex differences in cardiac rehabilitation barriers among non-enrollees in the context of lower gender equality: a crosssectional study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23(1): 329.
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  5. Samayoa L, Grace SL, Gravely S, Scott LB, Marzolini S, Colella TJF. Sex differences in cardiac rehabilitation enrollment: a meta-analysis. Can J Cardiol 2014; 30(7): 793–800.

 

Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 839
3rd Week , January (Policy Brief)
January and February 2026
Pages 1532-1536

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 08 February 2026

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