KEY TAKEAWAY: Evaluates a female-led peer support program designed to address the psychosocial and emotional rehabilitation needs of women with cardiovascular disease. Structured peer engagement significantly reduced feelings of isolation, improved self-efficacy, and promoted long-term self-care behaviors.
Abstract
Women with heart disease face higher risks of death, cardiac events, depression, and reduced quality of life, compared to men. However, women’s participation level in cardiac rehabilitation programs remains low. Peer support programs, such as Women@Heart (W@H), led by women with lived experiences, can enhance program uptake and improve psychosocial well-being. Our pilot evaluation of W@H showed improvements in psychosocial and health behaviour measures, including coping skills and health empowerment. This program evaluation demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of W@H in addressing the unique needs of women with heart disease; however, further and large-scale evaluation is needed.