Awareness of patients regarding self-management of heart failure attending a tertiary care hospital of North India

Abstract

Background: Heart failure is a rampant health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Patients' knowledge about this complex disease contributes toward its self-management at home thereby, reduction in frequent hospitalizations and increased health-care cost.Aim: This study aims to assess the awareness of patients regarding self-management of heart failure.Methods and Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted on diagnosed patients having heart failure for at least 6 months with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% from functional class New York Heart Association II–IV ambulatory. One hundred and one participants were interviewed individually during routine visit. A prevalidated questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics, status of illness and knowledge of patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. 66.3% of the patients had insufficient knowledge about heart failure. Acceptable level of knowledge was found in 11.9% of the participants. Weak linear correlation (r = -0.232, P = 0.019) was found between education and mean knowledge score. Significant association of education and habitat with higher knowledge was seen in binomial logistic regression model.Conclusion: Lack of awareness regarding self-management of disease was found in majority of the patients. Structured teaching programs with special emphasis on nature of illness, lifestyle modifications, identifying worsening symptoms and their management at home were needed.Heart failure, knowledge, self-management