Knowledge about self-care and associated factors among heart-failure patients in Ayder Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, 2018: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Good knowledge of self-care related to heart failure (HF) is key to improve patient outcomes. However, information regarding how much patients know about self-care is lacking in developing countries, particularly in the study setting. Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess HF patients’ knowledge about self-care and to explore predictors among HF patients in Ayder comprehensive specialised referral hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study design was undertaken in Ayder comprehensive specialised referral hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. A total of 408 HF patients participated, and the study was done between February and April 2018. An interviewer-assisted structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to identify the predictors associated with knowledge about self-care. Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.4 years (standard deviation=19 years). Around 255 (62.5%) of the participants had poor self-care knowledge. Age, New York Heart Association classes, duration of the disease and previous hospitalisation were the factors associated with knowledge about self-care. Conclusion: More than half of all participants had poor knowledge about self-care. Improving existing prevention strategies and strengthening patients’ knowledge are recommended to address this knowledge deficit.