Investigating the predictive role of spiritual health, social support, and quality of life in self-care behaviors among heart failure patients

BACKGROUND: Self-care behaviors, which have a vital role in the management of heart failure disease, are influenced by several factors that are of paramount importance. This study aimed to determine the predictive role of spiritual health, social support, and quality of life in self-care behaviors among heart failure patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted from July to September 2021 on 203 patients with heart failure. Samples were selected by convenience sampling method from six centers in Ahvaz city. Data were collected using a clinical-demographic information questionnaire, the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale (EHFScBs), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Paloutzian and Ellison's Spiritual Well-being Scale. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 16 using descriptive and analytical statistical methods including Pearson's correlation coefficient, regression analysis, independent t-test, and analysis of variance. RESULT: The mean and standard deviation of the age of the female and male participants were 63.54 +/- 14.03 and 62.34 +/- 13.79, respectively. The majority of the participants (54.2%) were female, had primary education (23.2%), and were married (82.8%). Statistically significant relationships were observed between perceived social support and self-care (r = -0.22, P < 0.01), between spiritual health and self-care (r = -0.39, P < 0.01), and between the quality of life and self-care (r = 0.62, P < 0.01). However, no such relationship was found between demographic characteristics and self-care. CONCLUSION: Considering the predictive role of spiritual health, social support, and quality of life in self-care behaviors, it is necessary for planners to pay special attention to these factors when designing educational-supportive programs for these patients.