Factors associated with prehospital delay in men and women with acute coronary syndrome

Objective. To identify factors associated with prehospital delay in people who have had an acute coronary syndrome. Methods. Using a survey we studied patients admitted due to acute coronary syndrome in the 33 Andalusian public hospitals, obtaining information about different types of variables: socio-demographic, contextual, clinical, perception, action, and transportation. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to calculate the odds ratios for the delay. Results. Of the 1,416 patients studied, more than half had a delay of more than an hour. This is associated to distance to the hospital and means of transport: when the event occurs in the same city, using the patient's own means of transport increases the delay, odds ratio = 1.51 (1.02 to 2.23); if the distance is 1 to 25 kilometers from the hospital, there is no difference between the patient's own means of transport and an ambulance, odds ratio = 1.41 and odds ratio =1.43 respectively; and when the distance exceeds 25 kilometers transport by ambulance means more delay, odds ratio = 3.13 and odds ratio = 2.20 respectively. Also, typical symptoms reduce delay amongst men but increase amongst women. Also, not caring and waiting for the resolution of symptoms, seeking health care other than a hospital or emergency services, previous clinical history, being away from home, and having an income under 1,500 euros, all increase delay. Respiratory symptoms reduce delay. Conclusions. Prehospital delay times do not meet health recommendations. The physical and social environment, in addition to clinical, perceptual and attitudinal factors, are associated with this delay.