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Care Dependency in Patients with Heart Failure: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain
Raúl Juárez-Vela1, Ángela Durante2, Begoña Pellicer-García3
1Research Group GRUPAC and Research Institute IDI-Paz, School of Nursing, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, Spain.
Insights
Heart failure patients experience varying levels of care dependency, particularly in mobility and personal hygiene. Physical deterioration is associated with lower care dependency scores in heart failure (HF) patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a growing global health concern.
- HF patients often experience social isolation and a diminished perception of their health.
- Patients may feel like a burden on their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess care dependency in Spanish HF patients using the Care Dependency Scale (CDS).
- To identify factors associated with care dependency in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted.
- 187 patients admitted for HF decompensation were included.
- The study took place at Hospital Clínico of Zaragoza, Spain.
Main Results:
- Only 15% of HF patients reported high or complete dependency.
- Greater dependency was noted in areas such as mobility, personal hygiene, and continence.
- Specific daily activities and recreational participation also showed higher dependency.
Conclusions:
- An association exists between lower care dependency scores on the CDS and physical deterioration in HF patients.
- Understanding care dependency profiles is crucial for managing HF.
- The findings highlight specific areas where HF patients require support.
Abstract:
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a progressive and debilitating condition that represents an ever-growing problem for health systems worldwide. HF patients feel that they are a burden on their families, they feel socially isolated and have a low perception of their health. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to: (1) to explore the profile of care dependency in a representative sample of Spanish HF patients through the Care Dependency Scale (CDS), and (2) to identify correlates of care dependency in this population. Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 187 patients admitted for HF decompensation to the Hospital Clínico of Zaragoza (Spain). Results: Only 15% of our sample was highly or completely dependent on care from others. More specifically, our results indicate that HF patients felt a greater level of dependency on care from others when it comes to moving, getting dressed and undressed, maintaining good personal hygiene, participating in daily and recreational activities and being continent. Conclusions: We find association between the CDS categories that present a low score for care dependency in HF patients and the patients' physical deterioration.
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