Factors associated with self-care behaviours among Koreans with heart failure

Self-care behaviours are important to improve health outcomes in patients with heart failure. However, little is known about the factors related to the subdimensions of self-care behaviours in these patients.

To identify the factors associated with the subdimensions of self-care behaviours among South Korean patients with heart failure.

The participants in this cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between October 2016 and January 2017 were 178 patients with heart failure. Self-care behaviours were measured using the EHFScB-9, which has three subdimensions: autonomy-based adherence; provider-directed adherence; and consulting behaviours. Demographic characteristics, experience of heart failure education, physical function, patient health questionnaire-9, Pittsburgh sleep quality index and self-care confidence were also measured. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted.

The mean age was 62 ± 12 years, and 37% were women. Younger age (P=0.023), no experience of heart failure education (P=0.039), poor physical function (P=0.003), poor sleep quality (P=0.037) and lower self-care confidence (P=0.001) were significantly associated with poor autonomy-based adherence. Being employed (P=0.042), poor sleep quality (P=0.042) and lower levels of self-care confidence (P=0.001) were associated with poor provider-directed adherence. Younger age (P=0.001) and lower self-care confidence (P=0.001) were associated with lower engagement in consulting behaviours.

The three subdimensions of self-care behaviours were associated with different psychosocial factors, necessitating the development of tailored interventions and educational materials based on unique self-care behaviour patterns in patients with heart failure.