Predictors of Health Status of Patients with Advanced Heart Failure

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of health status in patients with advanced heart failure.Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted with 296 patients between May 2013 and May 2014. Patients’ health status was determined using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Sociode-mographic and clinical characteristics as well as symptoms were potential predictors. Other predictors were measured with the Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Scale–Community Form, Coping Style Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Per-ceived Social Support. The predictors of health status were examined via multiple linear regression analyses which was performed with enter method. Independent variables related to health status were compared using the Student’s t test and one way ANOVA.Results: Three health status scores were obtained in the study. The overall health, functional status and clinical total scores were 59.26±21.66, 35.30±15.01 and 52.70±19.80, respectively. Variables included in Models 1, 2 and 3 according to regression analysis accounted for 66.9%, 72.1% and 66.6% of the variance in health status, respectively. In three dif-ferent regression models, common predictor variables were symptom burden, perceived health status, social support and informants being doctors. Furthermore, illness uncertainty was a predictor variable for functional status. Conclusion: The health status of patients with advanced heart failure was assessed multivariate and includes original-ity. Through the findings of the study, it can be emphasized that the quality of patient education should be improved and biopsychosocial approach should be featured in health care services in order to achieve better health outcomes.