Study on the curent status of self-care contribution of primary caregivers of patients with chronic heart failure and its influencing factors

Objective To investigate the current status of self-care contribution of primary caregivers of patients with chronic heart failure, and analyze its influencing factors.

Methods A total of 188 inpatients with chronic heart failure and their primary caregivers were selected from the department of cardiology of a top three hospital in Bengbu City. The General data questionnaire and self-care contribution scale of heart failure patients′ caregivers were used for questionnaire investigation.

Results The total self-care contribution score of rimary caregivers of patients with chronic heart failure was (23.21±4.94), the contribution score for medical problem-related self-care was (15.10±2.98), and the contribution score for lifestyle-related self-care was (8.12±2.90). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the caregiver′s family residence, physical condition, average daily caregiving time, presence of co-sharers and number of patients requiring care were the influencing factors of caregiver′s self-care contribution(P < 0.05 to P < 0.05).

Conclusions The level of self-care contribution of primary caregivers of patients with chronic heart failure is low. According to the influencing factors, healthcare professionals should develop targeted interventions to improve the level of self-care contribution of caregivers, so as to improve the quality of life of patients.