Self-care Activation, Social Support, and Self-care Behaviors among Women Living with Heart Failure

Background: Three million U.S. women live with heart failure (HF). Purpose: This study investigated relationships among self-care activation, social support, and self-care behaviors of women living with HF. Methods: A 52-item web-based survey was completed by 246 women living with HF. Results: Women reported a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.8 ± 7.8 kg/m2, exercising a mean 106.5 ± 141.1 min/week, and consuming 3.25 ± 1.9 mean servings fruit/vegetables each day. Significant predictors of weekly physical activity minutes included self-care activation, activities of daily living (ADLs) total score, and current tobacco use. Low self-care activation, poor self-perceived health, greater ADL limitations, and more years living with HF were statistically significantly associated with having a higher BMI. Self-perceived health status and education and income levels were significant predictors of daily fruit/vegetable servings. Discussion: Although self-care activation was positively associated with health behaviors among women living with HF, self-care management of health behaviors remained suboptimal. Evaluating self-perceived health status of women with HF may identify appropriate interventions for improving self-care behaviors. Translation to Health Education Practice: Certified Health Education Specialists are encouraged to tailor their education to raising self-care activation, improving self-perceived health, underscoring the value of tangible physical activities (climbing stairs, walking, carrying groceries), and referring women with HF to cardiac rehabilitation.