title: Symptomatology and Coping Resources Predict Self-Care Behaviors in Middle to Older Age Patients with Heart Failure.
abstract: Background. Symptoms of heart failure (HF) and coping resources, such as social support and social problem-solving, may influence self-care behaviors. Research regarding the influence of HF symptomatology characteristics and components of social support and social problem-solving on self-care is limited. Objective. To identify predictors of HF self-care behaviors using characteristics of HF symptomatology, components of social support and social problem-solving, and demographic and clinical factors. Methods. Using a cross-sectional, correlational predictive design, a convenience sample (N = 201) of outpatients with HF answered self-report surveys. Multiple linear regression with stepwise variable selection was conducted. Results. Six predictors of HF self-care were identified: race, symptom frequency, symptom-related interference with enjoyment of life, New York Heart Association Class HF, rational problem-solving style, and social network (β = 34.265, R (2) = 0.19, P = 0.001). Conclusions. Assessing the influence of race on self-care behaviors in middle to older age patients with HF is important. Clinical assessment that focuses on symptom frequency, symptom-related interference with enjoyment of life, and HF Class might also impact self-care behaviors in this population. Rational problem-solving skills used and evaluation of the size of and satisfaction with one's social network may be appropriate when assessing self-care.
authors.affiliation: Florida State University College of Nursing, 98 Varsity Way, Duxbury Hall, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4310, USA.
authors.forename: Lucinda J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Graven
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, USA.
authors.forename: Joan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.affiliation: Florida State University College of Nursing, 98 Varsity Way, Duxbury Hall, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4310, USA.
authors.forename: Glenna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gordon