ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH BEHAVIORS OF PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE TREATED IN A CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Background
Following pharmacological recommendations and leading a healthy lifestyle are imperative to improve the health and quality of life of patients with heart failure (HF).

Material and methods
This cross-sectional, observational study examined 100 patients with HF who were treated in the cardiology department. The average age of the respondents was 70±14 years (mean±SD), and the majority were men (65%). The Health Behavior Inventory Questionnaire and the authors’ questionnaire were used.

Results
The respondents collectively reported an average level of health behaviors. There was a negative correlation between age and proper eating habits (rho=-0.248; p=0.013) and a positive mental attitude (rho=-0.270; p=0.007). Higher or secondary education was associated with increased levels of health behaviors in all categories. Patients with a shorter duration of disease (<15 years) were more likely to take pro-health measures in the categories of proper eating habits (p=0.001) and positive mental attitude (p=0.004). Patients with a higher level of knowledge about the disease demonstrated higher levels of health behaviors. Subjects who had a pacemaker/cardioverter implanted had lower positive mental attitudes (p=0.048).

Conclusions
It is important to encourage health behaviors in patients with HF. These actions should be aimed primarily at elderly people, with primary and vocational education, longer disease duration (>15 years), lower knowledge of the disease, and/or an implanted cardioverter/pacemaker.