Characteristics of the study participants (n = 40).
| Variables | N | % |
| Gender | ||
| Male | 35 | 87.5 |
| Female | 5 | 12.5 |
| Age (years) | ||
| <40 | 8 | 20.0 |
| 41‐50 | 7 | 17.5 |
| 51‐60 | 10 | 25.0 |
| >60 | 15 | 37.5 |
| 54.5±14.5 | ||
| Marital Status | ||
| Married | 33 | 82.5 |
| Single | 7 | 17.5 |
| Education | ||
| Middle school or less | 17 | 42.5 |
| High school | 9 | 22.5 |
| College/university/graduate | 14 | 35.0 |
| Employment | ||
| Yes | 25 | 62.5 |
| No | 15 | 37.5 |
| Religion | ||
| Yes | 28 | 70.0 |
| No | 12 | 30.0 |
| Operation | ||
| CABG | 25 | 62.5 |
| Valvular surgery | 15 | 37.5 |
| Previous ICU experience | ||
| Yes | 13 | 32.5 |
| No | 27 | 67.5 |
CABG: Coronary artery bypass grafting, ICU: intensive care unit