PREDICTING FACTORS OF SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS IN VIETNAMESE ADULTS WITH HEART FAILURE

Abstract

This cross sectional, correlation study aimed to identify the predicting factors of self-care behaviors in Vietnamese adults with heart failure. Two hundred participants visiting the outpatient departments within 6 months after discharge were recruited from 10 hospitals of 10 provinces and cities of Red River delta in Vietnam using multistage sampling. The research theoretical framework was guided by the Orem’s theory of self-care and literature review. Data collected by questionnaires including demographic data, the Revised Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale (RHFScBS, α= 0.89), the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale (DHFKS, KR20=0.69), NYHA HF classification, Charlson Comorbidity Index questionnaire, the social support questionnaire (α=0.83-0.86), the Beliefs about dietary compliance scale, barriers subscale (α =0.81). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistic and the stepwise multiple regression. The results of multiple regression showed that Comorbidity, Knowledge, social support and Barrier of sodium restriction could predict 27.6% of self-care behaviors (R2 = .276, F4,195 = 18.59, p =.000). The strongest predictor of self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure was barrier of sodium restriction (β = -.34, p < .05). Other factors related to self-care were comorbidity (β =-.19), social support (β = 0.23), and knowledge (β =.15). While symptom severity, gender and education level were not significant correlated to self-care behaviors. In conclusion, the Orem’s theory of self-care was appropriate guiding to find predicting factors of self-care behaviors in heart failure patients. The results of this research suggested useful information for the development of nursing intervention that can promote self-care behaviors in this population by improving knowledge, social support, less barrier of sodium restriction and comorbid diseases.