Developmental regulation in adolescents with epilepsy who attend regular school: A comparative study part II.

Based on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study aimed to examine the (in)congruence effect of psychological resilience and social support on mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, perceived stress) among Macau's gaming industry employees, and to explore targeted public health implications for Macau's mental health support system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among in-service casino employees in Macau. Psychological resilience, perceived social support, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress were measured. Response surface analysis (RSA) was used to examine the congruence and incongruence effects of the two core mental resources. Congruently high levels of resilience and social support were associated with the lowest levels of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, indicating a cumulative advantage of different mental resources. Under incongruent conditions, the protective roles of the two resources diverged: social support was more critical for depression, whereas resilience was more strongly associated with lower perceived stress. Marital status significantly moderated the (in)congruence effect on anxiety. These findings highlight the complex (in)congruence effect of resilience and social support from a COR perspective. The results support the necessity of a mental health system that addresses the specific resource profiles of employees in the Macau gaming industry. The public health implications for the high-stress occupational populations are discussed.

ABSTRACT Cultural identity, social support, cultural practices, adaptive coping strategies, resilience, and acculturative stress are considered to interact with and impact the Chinese college students' psychological well-being. This research, therefore, examines how these variables interact and, in particular, how cultural identity affects psychological well-being. The current study adopted a mixed-methods research design to combine quantitative and qualitative determinants. The quantitative data were collected with 460 college students using a structured questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS). At the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants. The qualitative data were analysed with NVivo software. The quantitative analysis showed that identification with the Chinese cultural values, a higher level of social support, and closer adherence to cultural practices had positive associations that were significantly correlated with psychological well-being. Such results are also supported by the results of a qualitative study where the cultural identity is modelled as extending emotional stability and mental well-being of Chinese college students. The novelty of this study gives insights into cultural flexibility and acculturative stress of this group, which introduces a more comprehensive picture of the factors of mental health of this population.

Social determinants of health (SDOH), such as race, education, and income, tend to be considered individually, without recognizing the interaction between factors. Our objective was to understand how SDOH interact to inform outcomes for Canadians living with arthritis. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and guided by the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group's PROGRESS-Plus (place of residence; race, culture, ethnicity, language; occupation; gender, sex; religion; education; socioeconomic status; and social capital; plus: personal characteristics associated with discrimination, features of relationships, and time-dependent relationships) framework on SDOH. We used latent class analysis to identify distinct groups of people living with arthritis based on SDOH characterizations. We then conducted logistic regression to evaluate associations between group membership and (1) general health, (2) mental health, (3) satisfaction with life, (4) pain or discomfort, (5) limitations in activity, and (6) mood disorders. Of 9,811 respondents in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, 2,505 reported that they are living with arthritis. Participants with arthritis were primarily living in urban centers (sample weighted 85%), female (54%), identified as women (54%), White (94%), Catholic or Christian (70%), making above $100,000 Canadian dollars (58%), married (80%), and between 45 and 54 years (61%). Through latent class analysis, we developed a five-class model. With respect to social capital, having more social support availability tended to be predictive of class membership. Within all five classes, those who had a higher income, were married, and had high levels of social support consistently had better outcomes overall. The interaction between SDOH, particularly social support, income, and marital status, is associated with health outcomes for people living with arthritis. To improve delivery of equitable and high-quality care, an appropriate consideration of unmet social needs is required, as well as considering health outcomes through the lens of intersectionality for people living with arthritis in Canada.

Aging is accompanied by various psychological, social, and physical challenges that may be intensified among homosexual older adults due to experiences of discrimination, stigma, and limited support systems. These stressors can contribute to increased anxiety and lower life satisfaction. This study examined the moderating role of social support in the relationship between anxiety and life satisfaction among 117 self-identified gay and lesbian adults aged 60 and above in Metro Manila. Using moderated regression analysis, results indicated that social support significantly and positively moderated the relationship between anxiety and life satisfaction (B = 0.482, p = 0.002). While anxiety was negatively associated with life satisfaction, higher levels of social support buffered this effect. Specifically, family and friend support significantly moderated the relationship, whereas support from significant others did not. This highlights the protective role of social support in promoting well-being among homosexual older adults. Furthermore, the results of this study served as the basis for the development of the Golden Age Rainbow Wellness Program, a mental health initiative designed to reduce anxiety, strengthen social support, and enhance life satisfaction in this population.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the quality of life in patients with post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) after rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and comprehensively analyze its influencing factors. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients with CT-confirmed PTLD between December 2024 and January 2025. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Univariate analysis and generalized linear models were employed to explore influencing factors. Results: A total of 103 PTLD patients were included. The median (Q1, Q3) SGRQ score was 12.84(2.03, 25.44). SF-36 results indicated that the median (Q1, Q3) physical component summary (PCS) score [38.04 (33.98, 40.44)] was significantly lower than the mental component summary (MCS) score [43.37 (40.23, 47.58)]. 19.42% of patients exhibited family dysfunction, and 17.48% reported high levels of social support. A strong correlation was observed between the PCS and SGRQ, while the MCS score was significantly correlated with social support levels. Pulmonary function tests revealed that 64.08% of patients had various types of ventilatory dysfunction, with mixed ventilatory defect being the most common (33.00%). The median six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was 495.00 m. Generalized linear model analysis demonstrated that SGRQ scores were significantly influenced by economic status, cough and sputum production, bedaquiline-containing treatment regimens, and 6MWD. Forced expiratory volume in one second percent predicted was significantly associated with both SF-36 and SGRQ scores. Conclusions: Patients with rifampicin-resistant PTLD experience substantially impaired quality of life, influenced by a combination of physical, psychological, and social factors. Comprehensive intervention strategies targeting the economic burden, pulmonary rehabilitation, and social support are warranted to improve long-term outcomes in this population.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women and frequently causes significant psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. The perception and impact of social support in addressing these mental health challenges differ depending on cultural and societal factors, highlighting its crucial role. This study aimed to evaluate the association between anxiety and depression in Palestinian women with breast cancer and perceived social support (PSS). A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed. The study included 257 patients with breast cancer. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. PSS was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Most participants (95%) were married. The mean age was 51 ± 9.8 years. The total PSS was relatively mild to moderate (M = 69.7 ± 9.5). The scores for anxiety and depression were in the borderline range(M = 7.8 ± 3.3 and M = 8.3 ± 3.6, respectively). All subclasses of PSS were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression ( P < .05). Every individual has a unique perception of social support. Depression and anxiety affect a sizable percentage of patients with breast cancer. Higher levels of social support may also assist in reducing depression and anxiety, as seen by the strong negative association found between these psychological states and PSS.

BackgroundA child’s hospitalisation may have long-term influences on parental mental health, which can affect child health.ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of and examine factors associated with parents’ depression and anxiety symptoms over time.MethodsThis prospective cohort study in 14 countries measured parent mental health during their child’s hospitalisation, at discharge and 3 months postdischarge (2023–2024). We included parents ≥18 years staying at a Ronald McDonald House® during their child’s hospitalisation. Exposures were parent, family and child psychosocial and health factors and hospital experiences. Outcomes were parental depression and anxiety symptoms. We used mixed-effects logistic regression.Findings3350 parents, including 2594 (78.6%) mothers, 616 (18.1%) fathers and 131 (3.3%) other caregivers, participated during hospitalisation; 1751 (52%) at discharge, and 2395 (71%) postdischarge. Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was high during hospitalisation (49.7% and 69.0%, respectively) and decreased modestly at discharge (44.6% and 59.5%, respectively), and postdischarge (42.8% and 59.2%, respectively). Over time, probabilities of depression symptoms decreased among those with high, moderate and low levels of social support (50%, 27%, 5%, respectively), and self-care (29%, 27% and 22%, respectively). Probabilities of depression symptoms decreased among those with high or moderate perceived levels of family-centred care (high: 20% decrease; moderate: 11% decrease, compared with low). In contrast, probabilities of depression symptoms increased among those with high or moderate levels of unmet basic needs (high: 18% increase; moderate: 8% increase, compared with low) and poorer ratings of their child’s health (high: 68% increase; moderate: 32% increase, compared with low (healthier)). These trends were similar for anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsPrevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms is high among parents and only decreases modestly postdischarge.Clinical implicationsRoutine screening and ongoing services may lower the risk of prolonged parental mental health symptoms, but more research is needed.

ABSTRACT Journalists are a relatively understudied occupational group who encounter significant mental health issues. Resilience and social support are factors that might prevent journalists from having mental health issues. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of resilience and social support on journalists’ anxiety and depression. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece. We measured resilience, social support, anxiety and depression with the Brief Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, respectively. Journalists reported moderate levels of resilience and moderate to high levels of social support. In our sample, 36% and 28.7% of journalists had possible major anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Our multivariable models identified a negative relationship between resilience and anxiety and depression. In other words, we found that more resilient journalists experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression. Social support did not affect anxiety and depression among journalists. Thus, we found high levels of anxiety and depression in our sample. Additionally, we found that increased resilience is associated with reduced anxiety and depression among journalists. Our findings show that journalism is a highly stressful job and appropriate interventions should be implemented to improve journalists’ well-being.

Special Education (SpEd) teachers are vital for providing education that meets the diverse needs of students with special needs, thus, understanding them is crucial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between social support, psychological distress, and mental health literacy among SpEd teachers in Cavite, Philippines. Employing a correlational design and purposive sampling, 138 SpEd teachers answered questionnaires that assessed social support, psychological distress and mental health literacy. Findings revealed that SpEd teachers reported high levels of social support, mild psychological distress, and a below average level of mental health literacy. Notably, a weak, negative significant relationship was identified between social support and psychological distress and a weak, positive relationship between social support and mental health literacy. Conversely, no significant relationship was found between psychological distress and mental health literacy. Despite the demands of their work, SpEd teachers reported a high level of social support. This extensive network proved helpful, giving them emotional, practical, and informational support when needed. Significant others, in particular, emerged as an important source of support for SpEd teachers. The result also indicated that the participants likely experienced mild distress, characterized by intermittent periods of emotional suffering that may significantly impact their overall quality of life. As a result, it is recommended to use findings for self-reflection, maintain strong social support, encourage communication for students with special needs, and suggest parents continue providing support. Furthermore, future researchers are advised to address limitations by exploring diverse settings and using qualitative designs. Psychosocial support and its relationship with psychological distress and mental health may also be investigated.

University students are among the groups most vulnerable to mental distress globally. This cross-sectional study sought to evaluate the prevalence of mental distress, social support, and related factors among Palestinian university students in the West Bank from March to May 2024. A total of 410 students participated in the study, which used the Self-Report Questionnaire-20 for Mental Distress and the Social Support Questionnaire. The findings indicated that 58.5% of the students experienced mental distress (mean = 8.73 ± 5.10 SD), whereas 55.6% reported high levels of social support (mean = 3.68 ± 0.77 SD). Higher levels of mental distress were significantly associated with female gender, lower social support, lower religious commitment, family history of mental illness, and academic stressors. This study is distinctive as it situates the experiences of Palestinian students within the broader framework of settler colonialism and military occupation, which significantly affect their mental health and social support. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions, including the integration of mental health services in universities, the expansion of peer and community support, and the development of preventive programs tailored to the Palestinian context. Addressing mental distress in this setting requires tackling its structural and political roots by fostering community resilience and promoting the collective ethos of sumud as a foundation for psychosocial well-being.

BackgroundSpina bifida (SB) is a congenital condition that requires long-term multidisciplinary medical collaboration for treatment. Previous research has primarily focused on the negative impacts experienced by caregivers of children with SB. However, with the development of positive psychology, the concept of benefit-finding (BF) has been explored in the context of caregivers of children with various chronic illnesses. Nonetheless, in Japan, BF among caregivers of children with SB remains unexplored, and no appropriate measurement tool has been developed for this population.ObjectiveThis study aimed to translate and validate the Japanese version of the University of Washington Caregiver Benefit Scale (UW-CBS) based on caregivers of children with SB and to examine the characteristics of BF in these caregivers. A comparative analysis with caregivers of able-bodied children was also conducted to elucidate the parenting stress and social support experienced by families rearing children with SB.MethodsThis 2-part study was carried out from January 2024 to December 2024. In Study 1, the UW-CBS was translated, then face validity was examined through a pretest (n=6) using cognitive interviews. In the main survey, construct validity, known-groups validity, and retest reliability were evaluated (n=60). In Study 2, the characteristics of BF of caregivers of children with SB were analyzed using data from the main survey. Parents of able-bodied children (n=66) completed the same questionnaire. Parenting stress, BF, and social support scores were then compared between caregivers of children with SB and the parents of able-bodied children.ResultsIn Study 1, the reliability and validity of the UW-CBS were examined. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach α=0.92), while test-retest reliability had an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.62 (P=.051). In Study 2, caregivers who had a partner (P=.009) and those who were rearing both a child with SB and a sibling reported higher levels of BF (P=.02). Compared with families rearing able-bodied children, no significant differences emerged in BF or parenting stress, but the level of social support was significantly higher in families of children with SB (P=.005).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the UW-CBS in families rearing children with SB. For caregivers of children with SB, assistance from other family members or shared childcare responsibilities may facilitate positive adjustment. Moreover, the higher level of social support received by caregivers of children with SB may mitigate their parenting stress and foster their perception of benefits.

Heart failure is a major health challenge requiring long-term management. The current study pursed the goal to discover the relationship between perceived social support with self-efficacy and health-promoting behaviors in patients hospitalized in cardiac care units. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 193 patients with heart failure (EF ≤ 35, NYHA class I/II) participating in the study at south of Iran in 2024 using a convenience sampling method. The data were collected with three standard questionnaires: Sullivan Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale (α = 0.93), Cheraghi's Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) (α = 0.87), and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile(HPLP-II) (α = 0.86). The data were analyzed via SPSS-26 using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential tests (Pearson). As the results divulged, perceived social support was significantly associated with self-efficacy and health-promoting behaviors in heart failure patients (P < 0.001). The highest correlation was reported between emotional support and self-efficacy (r = 0.9) and also between instrumental support and stress management at the dimensional level (r = 0.558). DISCUSSION ANDCONCLUSION: According to the findings, the patients who had higher levels of social support outperformed in disease management and adherence to health behaviors. Social support plays a key role in building up self-efficacy and enhancing health-promoting behaviors in heart failure sufferers. The results highlighted the importance of considering support systems in the treatment and care programs of such patients.

This study investigates the pathways to perceived HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV (PLWH) in China, focusing on the roles of social support, coping styles, psychosocial symptoms, and caregiver stigma. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey of 3,040 participants and 425 caregivers recruited from healthcare settings across Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan, we employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the complex interrelationships among these factors. Our results indicate that higher levels of social support and positive coping styles are associated with lower perceived stigma, whereas negative coping styles, psychological symptoms such as negative emotions, and caregiver stigma contribute to higher perceived stigma among PLWH. The influence of interpersonal interactions was notably significant, demonstrating that negative experiences and social withdrawal amplify stigma perceptions. Furthermore, caregiver stigma emerged as a critical factor directly associated with the stigma experienced by PLWH. These findings highlight the necessity of multi-faceted interventions that enhance social support, foster positive coping strategies, and address caregiver stigma to effectively reduce the burden of perceived stigma and improve the wellbeing of PLWH in China.

Medication adherence among patients following total knee arthroplasty is generally suboptimal. Evidence confirms that medication beliefs constitute one of the key factors influencing patients' adherence to prescribed regimens. However, the mechanism by which medication beliefs affect adherence remains critically important to investigate. Poor medication adherence can significantly compromise postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life in these patients. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which medication beliefs influence medication adherence in patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study utilized a moderated mediation analysis. Data were obtained from patients who underwent TKA at four grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Upon discharge, all patients were instructed to adhere to regular anticoagulation therapy. Follow-up data were collected during orthopedic outpatient visits 1 month after surgery. The Chinese versions of the Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire, Medication Literacy Scale, Medication Beliefs Scale, and the Social Support Scale were employed as measurement instruments. Through moderated mediation and mediation analyses, the relationships among medication beliefs, medication adherence, medication literacy, and social support were examined. Medication adherence was significantly higher among patients with greater medication literacy (F = 3.951, p < 0.01). Positive correlations were observed between all measured scales (Medication Adherence Questionnaire, Medication Literacy Scale, Medication Beliefs Scale, and Social Support Scale; r = 0.407, 0.332, 0.206, 0.508, 0.216, 0.244; all p < 0.01). Medication beliefs directly influenced adherence (BootSE = 0.041, 95% CI = 0.077-0.240) and indirectly through medication literacy (BootSE = 0.030, 95% CI = 0.128-0.247), accounting for 45.18% and 54.82% of the total effect, respectively. Social support significantly moderated this mediation pathway (β = 0.124, t = 3.399, p < 0.01), particularly strengthening the relationship between medication literacy and adherence (β = 0.195, t = 5.456, p < 0.001). Medication adherence in post-TKA patients is associated with medication beliefs, with medication literacy serving as a partial mediator and social support as a significant moderator. The influence of both medication beliefs and literacy on adherence increases with higher levels of social support.

ABSTRACT Objective Leveraging data from a previously conducted randomized trial, we examined whether Project RISE – a digital single-session intervention focused on minority stress – was associated with equal improvements in levels of internalized stigma, identity pride, hopelessness, depression, and anxiety among youth with a single minoritized or multiply-minoritized identities. We also tested whether higher levels of social support moderated outcomes. Method Participants randomly assigned to the intervention were included (n = 261 adolescents 13–16 years old; M age = 15; 51% youth of color; 68% transgender/gender-diverse). Two-way multivariate analysis of covariances examined potential group differences across outcomes, between individuals holding multiple minoritized identities versus one. Moderation analyses were used to investigate whether social support moderated RISE outcomes. Results Identifying with multiple minoritized identities was associated with higher levels of identity pride immediately post-intervention. Identifying as a gender minority was associated with slightly greater identity pride post-intervention. Youth who endorsed gender minority identities reported higher levels of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety at 2-week follow-up, relative to cisgender youth. No other differences emerged. Conclusions Multiply-minoritized youth, especially gender minority youth, experienced significantly higher levels of identity pride after completing Project RISE. Results highlight the importance of applying an intersectional minority stress framework to online intervention design and considering social contexts (e.g. high versus low social support) when selecting treatments for youth with intersecting identities. Clinicians should consider how interventions specifically addressed intersectional identities when providing evidence-based care.

This study aimed to investigate spiritual well-being as a predictor of successful ageing among community-dwelling older adults in the Xiashan District of Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. Older adults aged ≥60 years who had a score of ≥10 on the Mini-Mental State Examination were recruited from eight community health service centres in the Xiashan District of Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China between August and December 2024. Participants were assessed using the Successful Ageing Inventory, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Barthel Index, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Social Support Rating Scale. In total, 147 men and 279 women aged 60 to 95 years were included in the study. Predictors of successful ageing were having a religious belief (β = 0.10, p = 0.04), having completed primary school (β = 0.11, p = 0.08), middle/high/vocational high school (β = 0.18, p = 0.01), or junior college or college and above (β = 0.21, p < 0.01) education, having better spiritual well-being (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), and having higher levels of social support (β = 0.14, p = 0.01). The model explained 23% of the variance, indicating a moderate fit. Spiritual well-being, educational attainment, religious belief, and social support are key determinants of successful ageing among community-dwelling older adults in the Xiashan District of Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.

This study was aimed at understanding the relationship between trait anxiety levels and coping strategies and social support in Turkish patients undergoing haemodialysis. The cross-sectional design was used in the study. The sample consisted of 462 patients undergoing haemodialysis selected through the convenience sampling method. The study data were collected from patients undergoing haemodialysis at seven private haemodialysis centres in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, between August 2019 and March 2020. Findings revealed that the level of trait anxiety in these patients fell within the low anxiety range but was close to the threshold for moderate anxiety, indicating that the participants' anxiety levels were on the higher end of the low range. Religion/spirituality, acceptance and positive reframing were the most frequently used problem-focused coping strategies, and self-distraction, venting and self-blame were the most frequently used emotion-focused coping strategies reported by the participants. Significant correlations were determined between the participants' trait anxiety levels, emotional and problem-focused coping strategies, social support levels. Social support systems patients undergoing haemodialysis have, and problem-focused coping strategies used by them affect their trait anxiety levels significantly. The social support systems of patients undergoing haemodialysis and their use of problem-focused coping strategies explained a significant portion of the variance in trait anxiety levels. The findings demonstrated that patients who more frequently employed problem-focused coping strategies reported lower levels of trait anxiety and perceived higher levels of social support. This study has the potential to develop effective interventions in clinical practice and at the societal level to improve the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of Turkish patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment by examining in depth the relationships between trait anxiety levels, coping strategies and social support levels. The study participants were individuals over 18 years of age who were Turkish patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment at the time of completing the questionnaire.

Background: Academic stress remains a pervasive challenge in higher education, often leading to diminished mental health and poor pedagogical outcomes. While Emotional Intelligence (EI) is recognized as a protective resource, the underlying mechanisms specifically how EI translates into stress reduction through behavioral shifts and environmental buffers; remain under-explored. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional research design with a sample of 520 university students recruited via stratified sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), the Perception of Academic Stress Scale (PASS), the Brief-COPE, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS AMOS v.26 to conduct Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and path analysis with 5,000 bootstrap resamples. Results: The structural model demonstrated an excellent fit (X2/df = 2.14, CFI = .97, TLI = .96, RMSEA = .041). Findings revealed that EI exerted a significant negative direct effect on academic stress (p &lt; .001). Furthermore, adaptive coping strategies partially mediated this relationship, explaining 24% of the variance in stress reduction. Multigroup analysis in AMOS indicated that Perceived Social Support significantly moderated the path between EI and stress, such that the stress-buffering effect of EI was significantly amplified in students reporting high levels of social support. Conclusions: These findings suggest that emotional literacy is not a standalone solution; its efficacy is contingent upon the deployment of specific coping behaviors and the presence of a supportive social environment. Implications for university counseling and policy are discussed.

Digital health–supported value co-creation involves patients actively seeking information, communicating with healthcare professionals, and participating in shared decision-making throughout care. Sodium restriction is a cornerstone of chronic heart failure self-management, but adherence in real-world settings is often inadequate. Digital health technologies could strengthen patient–professional value co-creation; however, how value co-creation behaviours relate to sodium-restriction adherence remains unclear, particularly among Chinese patients with chronic heart failure. To investigate the current status of value co-creation behaviors among chronic heart failure patients and analyze factors influencing sodium restriction adherence, thereby providing new perspectives and theoretical directions for sodium restriction management in this population. Chronic heart failure patients who visited a large hospital in Guangxi, China from January to July 2025 were selected as study subjects. Data collection employed a general information questionnaire, Value Co-creation Behavior Measurement Scale, Sodium-Restricted Diet Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, and Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales. Univariate, correlation, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess current value co-creation behaviors and identify factors influencing sodium-restricted dietary adherence. A total of 229 patients with chronic heart failure were included. Overall sodium restriction adherence was moderate, with 31.44% demonstrating good compliance. The mean value co-creation score was (46.183 ± 5.423). Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between good and poor sodium restriction adherence in age, taste preferences, body mass index, sodium restriction-related cognition and attitudes, social support, and all dimensions of value co-creation behavior (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that older age, preference for salty flavors, and higher body mass index were independently associated with poorer self-reported sodium-restricted dietary adherence. Higher levels of social support and value co-creation behaviors (information seeking, interactive collaboration, and shared decision-making) were independently associated with better self-reported adherence (P < 0.05). Patients with chronic heart failure showed moderate levels of value co-creation on all dimensions. Higher levels of value co-creation may be associated with better sodium-restricted dietary behaviors. Future research should develop and evaluate digital health technologies with a sustained focus on patients’ ability to access reliable information and health literacy, thereby promoting patient engagement and shared decision making and reducing the burden of dietary self-management. Follow-up studies should incorporate objective measures such as sodium intake and 24-hour urine sodium testing into the assessment framework.