The Relationship between Caregivers’ Contribution to Self-Care and Symptom Intensity in Patients with Heart Failure and Influencing Factors: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: Caregivers play a crucial role in facilitating engagement in self-care practices and improving symptom experiences among individuals with heart failure (HF). This study aimed to examine the relationship between caregiver contributions to HF self-care and symptom intensity experienced by patients, as well as patient- and caregiver-related sociodemographic factors influencing this relationship.
Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in a public hospital between January and May 2023. The sample consisted of patients diagnosed with HF classified as New York Heart Association class II or higher (n=192) and their primary caregivers (n=192) who provided at least six hours of care per day. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Symptom Status Questionnaire–HF (SSQ-HF), and the caregiver contribution to self-care of HF index (CCSCHFI).
Results: The mean SSQ-HF score was 48.63±17.56, indicating symptom intensity above a moderate level. Weak but statistically significant positive correlations were identified between SSQ-HF scores and the CCSCHFI total score and its subscales: Caregiver contribution to self-care maintenance (r=0.147, p=0.042), self-care management (r=0.245, p=0.001), and confidence in contributing to self-care (r=0.241, p=0.001). Overall, caregiver contributions to patient self-care were found to be at a moderate level.
Discussion and Conclusion: Despite moderate caregiver contribution, patients experienced relatively high symptom intensity, suggesting that characteristics of the patient–caregiver dyad and disease-related self-efficacy may significantly influence symptom outcomes. Interventions targeting caregivers’ knowledge gaps, enhancing self-efficacy, and strengthening caregiver–patient communication may help reduce symptom intensity in patients with HF.

Keywords: Caregivers; Heart failure; Nursing; Self-care; Symptom burden