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Correlates of psychological distress in elderly patients with congestive heart failure

Doris S F Yu1, Diana T F Lee, Jean Woo

  • 1The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 605, Esther Lee Building, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong, ROC. dyu@cuhk.edu.hk

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|December 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Psychological distress is common in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Key factors include low social support, fatigue, poor health perception, and living alone, highlighting areas for improved patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Psychological distress is prevalent in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, linked to adverse health outcomes.
  • Factors contributing to psychological distress in CHF patients require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with psychological distress in hospitalized CHF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 227 hospitalized CHF patients.
  • Assessments included psychological distress, functional status, symptom burden, social support, and health perception.
  • Objective clinical data were extracted from medical records.

Main Results:

  • High levels of psychological distress, particularly depression, were observed in CHF patients.
  • Poorer social support, increased fatigue, diminished health perception, and living alone significantly correlated with distress.
  • These psychosocial and symptom-related factors explained 49% of the variance in psychological distress scores.
  • Objective clinical variables did not significantly predict psychological distress.

Conclusions:

  • Social support is crucial for CHF patients' well-being.
  • Interventions should focus on mitigating fatigue and fostering positive health perceptions in this population.
Abstract

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