Correlation between perceived social support and self-care behaviors among patients with heart failure

Self-care behaviors of heart failure patients is essential for optimal disease management. Social support can influence treatment adherence of patients with chronic illnesses. The aim of this study was to determine correlation between perceived social support and self-care behaviors of patients with heart failure.

In this descriptive correlational study، 170 patients with heart failure who were admitted in hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were selected with purposive sampling method. Data were collected with 3 instruments: 1- Demographic and clinical questionnaire، 2- «Perceived Social Support Questionnaire» 3- «European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale». Content and face validity of instruments were evaluated. Reliability of instruments were evaluated with internal consistency and test re-test methods. The range of Cronbach''s alpha of «Perceived Social Support Questionnaire» in various dimensions were 0. 84-0. 91 and with test re-test method reliability values was 0. 92. Also reliability of «European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale» with internal consistency and test re-test methods was 0. 84 and 0. 91 respectively. Data for this study were collected in morning and evening shifts through interview and were analyzed with SPSS/18 software.

Results showed mean scores of perceived social support and self-care behaviors was 56. 13±16. 7 and 39. 35±12. 3 respectively. Subjects received the largest amount of emotional، instrumental، informational and appraisal support from their spouse. The largest part of perceived social support was related to emotional support. Based on Pearson correlation coefficient test There was a direct and significant correlation between perceived social support and its dimensions with self-care behaviors (p<0. 001).

The findings suggest a direct and significant correlation with perceived social support and self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure.