Self-Care Behaviors And Its Influencing Factors Among Patients With Heart Failure In Karachi, Pakistan; A Mixed Method Study

Self-care in Heart Failure (HF) is essential to maintain Quality Of Life (QOL) and reduce hospital read missions. There are several factors affecting the self care among HF patients. To explore the Self Care Behaviors (SCB) and its influencing factors, a descriptive explanatory study a mixed method approach (QUANTI-quali) was employed. The SCB among HF patients was explored via a cross sectional survey whereas the influencing factors were explored through qualitative inquiry. The overall level of SCB was low with only 7% patients adhering to the desired SCB. The highest adhered SCB was taking medications (86%) whereas, the lowest was contacting physician for weight gain (10%). Moreover, patients' financial status, education, experience of the illness, family support, and self-control were the key factors that influenced the SCB of the patients. This study has implications for health care providers and policymakers to establish HF management programs for patients in our culture.