Factors associated with participation in a mitral valve prolapse support group

Purpose: The goal of this study was to explore factors that may influence attendance at a mitral valve prolapse (MVP) support group. Design: The study design was nonexperimental and descriptive. Method: The MVP Support Group Questionnaire was mailed to 18 MVP support group leaders and to 700 persons in whom MVP had been diagnosed. Findings: Three hundred seventy-six questionnaires were analyzed. Data demonstrate that persons more likely to participate in an MVP support group are those who are older (>50 years of age) and those who belong to other self-help groups. The most important reason for attending these support groups was to obtain more information about MVP. Conclusions: Data suggest that MVP support groups are needed to provide support and information to people with MVP syndrome—information that is not normally available from family, friends, and physicians. (Heart Lung® 2001;30:128-37.)