Anxiety and depression moderate the relationship between quality of life and self-care in patients with heart failure

The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of heart failure quality of life and its relationship to self-care as moderated by anxiety and depression. Older adults (n = 85) were surveyed using Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12, Self-Care of Heart Failure Index V6.2, and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety and Depression Short Forms 4a. As quality of life and anxiety or depression scores increased jointly, their self-care management scores decreased (p < 0.001). However, higher heart failure quality of life, and lower anxiety and depression scores showed an increase in self-care management. Our findings highlight the need for nursing interventions and research targeting heart failure symptom recognition among older adults. Identification of anxiety and depression in older adults with heart failure may be an important first step for improving self-care management for this population.