Assessment of self-care in heart failure patients at a cardiac hospice in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Abstract

Background: The significance of self-care in heart failure is yet to be demonstrated empirically; however, it's commonly believed that effective self-care delays the development of heart failure. This study aimed to assess the level of self-care among patients with heart failure attending a cardiac hospice center in Peshawar, Pakistan.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to examine self-care maintenance, self-care management, and self-care confidence in heart failure patients at Heart Hospice Center, Hayat Abad Medical Complex. A total of 195 heart failure patients were recruited using a convenient sampling method. Data were collected using the Self Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) version 6.2.
 Results: The mean SCHFI score (comprising 22 items) across n=195 participants was 50 ± 28.9. A very low percentage (31.28%, n=61) scored an accepted level (≥70) of self-care. On the subscales of self-management, self-confidence, and self-maintenance, the mean scores were 50.0 ± 28.8, 46±26.6, and 50.0 ± 28.7, respectively. One hundred eighty symptomatic patients completed the self-care management subscale who was experiencing shortness of breath and ankle swelling.
 Conclusion: Heart failure patients attending the Heart Hospice Center in Peshawar, Pakistan, did not portray a satisfactory level of self-care behavior. More effective nursing interventions are needed to manage heart failure patients in this center.

Factors Associated with Congestive Heart Failure among Patients Presenting with Acute Cardiac Emergencies in Northern Lahore

“…Similarly, another study reported that 54.9% of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients were categorized as class II, and 31.3% fell into class III. 19 These findings align with another study indicating better outcomes for NYHA class I and class II compared to class III and class IV, potentially due to inadequate self-care and physical activity among patients. Therefore, it is recommended to provide enhanced attention and improved care for patients classified as NYHA class III and class IV.…”

“…Another study conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, reported diabetes and hypertension as the dominant comorbid conditions, with hypertension alone following closely. 19 In the current study, NYHA class II was the most common classification (34.4%) seen, followed by class III (30.3%).…”