Health-promoting behaviors among patients with heart failure: A cross-sectional study in Georgia

Abstract

Background: The increase in the number of patients with heart failure in recent years is multifactorial and is partly due to an aging population, improved survival from acute cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction), and advances in primary and secondary prevention strategies that have extended life expectancy of patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate health-promoting behaviors in patients with heart failure.

Methodology: Using a cross-sectional, observational research method, 143 patients diagnosed with heart failure at the Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center (Tbilisi, Georgia) were interviewed. The average age of the patients was 64.8±9.2 years, 63% of whom were men.

Results and discussion: The results showed a negative association between age and healthy eating habits, as well as a positive mental attitude. Higher education levels were associated with better health behaviors. The more knowledge patients had about their disease, the more likely they were to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Patients with a disease duration of > 15 years were more likely to engage in healthy eating habits and maintain a positive mental attitude. Subjects implanted with a pacemaker/cardioverter had a low-confidence mental attitude.

Conclusions: Interventions that promote healthy behaviors in patients with heart failure should be expanded, particularly in those who are older, less educated, have a longer disease duration, have low disease knowledge, and/or are implanted with a cardioverter/pacemaker. Future interventions should include educational, psychological, and behavioral support strategies tailored to individual needs to encourage health-promoting behaviors and maintain a positive mental attitude among patients with HF.