Trajectories and Co‐Occurrence of Perceived Control in Patients With Heart Failure and Self‐Efficacy in Their Caregivers: A Three‐Month Longitudinal Study of Dual Trajectories

ABSTRACT Aim This study aims to explore the trajectories and co‐occurrence of perceived control and caregiver self‐efficacy among patients with heart failure (HF) and their caregivers within 3 months post‐discharge and identify associated risk factors. Design A prospective cohort design. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted from March to June 2024 in Tianjin, China. Information on perceived control and caregiver self‐efficacy was collected 24 h before discharge, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after discharge. Group‐Based Dual Trajectory Modelling (GBDTM) and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results The study included 203 dyads of patients with HF and their caregivers (HF dyads). Perceived control identified three trajectories: low curve (15.3%), middle curve (57.1%) and high curve (27.6%). Caregiver self‐efficacy demonstrated three trajectories: low curve (17.2%), middle curve (56.7%) and high stable (26.1%). GBDTM revealed nine co‐occurrence patterns, with the highest proportion (36.7%) being ‘middle‐curve group for perceived control and middle‐curve group for caregiver self‐efficacy’, and 16.7% being ‘high‐curve group for perceived control and high‐stable group for caregiver self‐efficacy’. Age, gender, household income, NYHA class, symptom burden and psychological resilience were identified as risk factors for perceived control trajectories; marital status, regular exercise and psychological resilience were identified as risk factors for caregiver self‐efficacy trajectories. Conclusion We identified distinct trajectories, co‐occurrence patterns and risk factors of perceived control and caregiver self‐efficacy among HF dyads. These findings help clinical nurses to better design and implement interventions, strengthening the comprehensive management and care outcomes for HF dyads. Impact These findings highlighted the interactive relationship between perceived control and caregiver self‐efficacy trajectories, suggesting that interventions should boost both to improve personalised treatment plans and outcomes for HF dyads. Reporting Method This study adhered to the STROBE checklist. Patient or Public Contribution Patients and their caregivers contributed by participating in the study and completing the questionnaire.