Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
09:42

Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Published on: November 8, 2013

The relationship between self-concept and adherence to therapeutic regimens in patients with heart failure

Abbas Heydari1, Shahnaz Ahrari, Saeed Vaghee

  • 1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. heidarya@mums.ac.ir

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|May 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Patients with heart failure (HF) who perceive their condition as a challenge, rather than a threat, show better adherence to treatment. Nurses can help patients reframe HF to improve therapeutic regimen compliance.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Health Psychology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Iran.
  • Heart failure (HF) affects 3500 per 100,000 individuals.
  • Patient nonadherence to treatment is a significant challenge in HF management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between self-concept perceptions (threat and challenge) and treatment adherence in Iranian HF patients.
  • To identify factors influencing adherence to enhance nursing care for HF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive correlational study was conducted.
  • 108 HF patients were recruited from two major medical centers in Iran.
  • Validated questionnaires assessed cognitive perception and adherence.

Main Results:

  • A significant direct relationship was found between viewing HF as a challenge and adherence (P < .01).
  • A significant inverse relationship existed between perceiving HF as a threat and adherence (P < .01).
  • Higher challenge and lower threat perceptions correlated with greater adherence.

Conclusions:

  • Self-concept, specifically the perception of HF as a challenge, is a key factor in treatment adherence.
  • Nurses can play a vital role in empowering HF patients through education and counseling.
  • Encouraging patients to view HF as a challenge can improve adherence to therapeutic regimens.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
Self-Discrepancy Theory02:45

Self-Discrepancy Theory

One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
Self-Regulation01:25

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation, also known as self-control, encompasses a range of cognitive and behavioral processes that allow individuals to adjust their internal states and outward actions to align with socially acceptable norms and long-term goals. It plays a fundamental role in adaptive functioning, from resisting impulsive behaviors to persisting through challenging tasks. While its benefits are widely recognized, self-regulation is not limitless. Muraven and Baumeister's theory posits that...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management01:16

Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management

Postoperative Nursing Management for Kidney Transplant PatientsPostoperative nursing management care includes monitoring the surgical site, encouraging early movement, and promoting lung health through breathing exercises. Nurses also administer prescribed medications like H2-blockers, such as famotidine, or proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, to help prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Fungal infections in the mouth and bladder can result from immunosuppressive and antibiotic...