Structural equation model testing the situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care

Ercole Vellone, Barbara Riegel, Fabio D'Agostino, Roberta Fida, Gennaro Rocco, Antonello Cocchieri, Rosaria Alvaro

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32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim
To test the situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care with structural equation modelling.
Background
Several authors have proposed theories on heart failure self-care, but only the situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care by Riegel and Dickson is focused on the process that patients use to perform self-care. This theory has never been tested with structural equation modelling.
Design
A secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study.
Methods
Patients with heart failure were recruited in 21 cardiovascular centres across Italy during 2011. Data were collected with a sociodemographic questionnaire, chart abstraction for clinical data and the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index v.6·2.
Results
A sample of 417 participants was enrolled in the study (59% males, mean age 72 years). The following propositions were tested and supported: Symptom monitoring correlates with treatment adherence; symptom monitoring and treatment adherence have a direct, positive relationship with symptom recognition and evaluation that in turn have a direct, positive relationship with treatment implementation; treatment implementation has a direct, positive relationship with treatment evaluation. In addition, the following three relationships were found: Symptom monitoring has a direct, positive relationship with treatment implementation; symptom recognition and evaluation have direct, positive relationships with treatment evaluation and symptom monitoring correlates with treatment evaluation. [Correction added on 9th April 2013, after first online publication: ‘…symptom monitoring correlates with treatment implementation.’ has been corrected to read ‘…symptom monitoring correlates with treatment evaluation.’]
Conclusion
The data support the situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care with the addition of three new relationships that emerged from the analysis. Results of this study lend further support to the use of the situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care in research and practice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2481-92
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing
Volume69
Issue number11
Early online date21 Mar 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2013

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Heart Failure
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Patient Compliance
  • Questionnaires
  • Self Care

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