Abstract 12416: Factors Associated With Somatic Symptoms Perception in Patients With Heart Failure

Abstract

Introduction: Since symptoms as perceived by patients are subjective experiences, it is important to understand from the patient's perspective the symptoms that they perceive as distressing or unpleasant. Investigating the reality of such symptoms as perceived by heart failure (HF) patients and related factors will help to construct effective nursing interventions for symptom relief in HF patients. Aim: To clarify the factors related to the symptoms using the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale (HFSPS) of HF as perceived by HF patients. Methods: The study population consisted of outpatients with HF who were assessed for symptoms as perceived by HF patients by the HFSPS, as well as self-care behaviors and depression by a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were applied to the factors associated with the perception of HF symptoms for each HFSPS subscale. Results: A total of 315 patients (mean age 73 years, 72% male) were included. The mean score of HFSPS total was 11.7±12.3, and the scores of each subscale of the HFSPS were dyspnea (3.3±4.8), chest discomfort (1.3±1.7), early subtle (5.3±4.9) and edema (1.8±2.6). HFSPS total score was associated with severity of HF (standard partial regression coefficient (β) = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62~5.51, p=0.014), depression (β = 0.28, CI=0.46~1.04, p<0.01), self-care maintenance (β=-0.27, CI=-0.31~-0.12, p<0.01), and symptom perception (β=0.20, CI=0.05~0.20, p<0.01). Dyspnea indicated severity of HF (β=0.18, CI=0.35~2.38, p<0.01), depression (β=0.28, CI=0.18~0.40, p<0.01), self-care maintenance (β=-0.15, CI=0.08~0.01, p<0.01), chest discomfort indicated self-care maintenance (β=-0.24, CI=-0.04~-0.01, p<0.01), symptom perception (β=0.27, CI=0.01~0.03, p<0.01), depression (β=0.34, CI=0.25~0.48, p<0.01) for early subtle, self-care maintenance (β=- 0.27, CI=-0.13~-0.05, p<0.01), symptom perception (β=0.18, CI=0.01~0.07, p<0.01), and depression (β=0.12, CI=0.01~0.14, p=0.03) were shown for edema. Conclusion: Assessing symptoms as perceived by the HF patient is expected to help the health care provider understand the patient's perceived symptoms and provide comprehensive treatment and care that is appropriate to the patient's characteristics.