https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4160-7821
Abstract
Purpose
As insufficient adherence to recommendations is a major cause of poor health outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), it is important to identify the factors that improve disease knowledge and self-care behaviors. We aimed to identify factors associated with HF knowledge and self-care behaviors in patients hospitalized due to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in Poland.
Patients and Methods
This was a secondary analysis of data from a multi-center, prospective, non-randomized educational program named “The Weak Heart”, which was conducted in 14 cardiology centers in Poland. The level of HF knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire developed by the research team, and self-care behaviors were evaluated using the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale (9-EHFScBS) questionnaire.
Results
The study included 259 patients admitted to the hospital with ADHF. The mean HF knowledge and 9-EHFScBS questionnaire scores were 8.25± 4.34 and 25.2±9.5, respectively. The patients’ level of education (P = 0.002), number of prior HF hospitalizations (P = 0.008), and previous disease education (P < 0.001) were independently associated with better HF knowledge. Age (P = 0.03) and disease education (P = 0.02) were independently associated with self-care behaviors.
Conclusion
The adherence to self-care recommendations among patients with ADHF is insufficient. Disease education positively influenced both HF knowledge and self-care abilities. To improve patients’ adherence to HF recommendations, well-designed models of education based on HF management guidelines should be implemented.
Acknowledgments
The study was supported by Novartis Pharma Poland. The preparation for the submission of this paper was provided by Proper Medical Writing Sp. z o.o. and funded by Novartis.
Disclosure
JK: employee of Novartis; ML, MG, ML, JN, AP, and IU: honoraria and consulting fees from Novartis; ML, AP, and JN: involved in clinical trials sponsored by Novartis. EAJ: honoraria and consulting fees from Novartis and Vifor Pharma. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.