How do Japanese Patients with Chronic Heart Failure View Their Disease, Self-care, and Support?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Patient Care

Background:

• Chronic heart failure (HF) is a growing concern in Japan, necessitating effective lifestyle management.
• Insufficient self-care behaviors are linked to increased hospitalizations and mortality in HF patients.
• There is a recognized gap in self-care awareness among individuals with chronic HF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the self-care behaviors and needs of individuals living with chronic heart failure in Japan.
• To understand the physical and emotional burdens associated with chronic HF.
• To identify areas where patients require additional information and support for managing their condition.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study employing a sequential explanatory design.
• Quantitative phase: Anonymous online survey distributed to 262 participants, with 162 completing.
• Qualitative phase: Semi-structured interviews with 15 stratified random sample participants.

Main Results:

• Participants experienced significant physical burdens (e.g., walking, stairs) and emotional distress.
• A majority expressed trust in physician guidance and reported high self-care adherence.
• Key information needs include HF treatment details, dietary advice, and lifestyle tips for burden reduction.

Conclusions:

• Patient education is vital for effective chronic HF management.
• Multidisciplinary support systems are essential for improving patient outcomes.
• Addressing patient-identified information gaps can enhance self-care and reduce HF burden.