Relationship between Attachment Styles and Self-Care Behaviors in Patients with Heart Failure

Psychological and social factors such as attachment styles may influence chronic diseases through self-care behaviors. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between attachment styles and self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure. Methods & Materials: In this correlational study، 180 patients with heart failure hospitalized in CCUs and Post CCUs of educational hospitals in Zahedan in 2014 were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection tools included the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire and Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFIV6. 2). Data were analyzed in the SPSS-20 using the descriptive statistics، independent T-Test، Pearson''s correlation and regression analysis. The mean and standard deviation of self-care behaviors score of the group with secure attachment style (62. 89 ± 12. 66) was significantly higher than the group with insecure attachment style (40. 43 ± 16. 11) (P<0. 05). Also، the regression model showed that the score of anxiety، attachment avoidance and age were as predictors of the self care scores in patients. Regarding the relationship between attachment styles and self-care behaviors; and the low level of self-care in patients with insecure attachment style، psychological interventions should be considered through long-term treatment of chronic heart failure.