EFFECT OF SELF-CARE ON HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (HRQoL) AMONG HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background Heart failure is a chronic disorder that significantly affects patients’ functional status and health-related quality of life. Effective self-care is essential for symptom control and improved outcomes, yet many patients demonstrate inadequate self-care behaviors. Aim To evaluate the effect of a structured self-care intervention on health-related quality of life among patients with heart failure. Methods A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among 104 heart failure patients admitted to the cardiac ward of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. Data were collected using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI v6.2) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). A structured, nurse-led self-care education program was delivered, and outcomes were assessed four weeks post-intervention. Results Significant improvements were observed in self-care maintenance, management, and confidence following the intervention (p < 0.001). Health-related quality of life improved significantly across physical, emotional, and social domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion Structured self-care education significantly improves self-care behaviors and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure and should be integrated into routine nursing practice.