Impact of comfortable nursing combined with diversified health education on self-management behavior in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases

This study explores the specific intervention effects and clinical value of integrating a comfort care model with diversified health education strategies on the self-management behavior of elderly patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was a retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of elderly CVD inpatients admitted between January 2022 and January 2025 were collected. Patients were divided into a conventional group and a joint group based on their nursing care. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were matched 1:1 using propensity score matching (PSM), resulting in a final sample of 142 patients: a conventional group ( n = 71, routine care) and a joint group ( n = 71, comfort care combined with diversified health education). The matching caliper was set at 0.05 of the standard deviation of the logit of the propensity score to optimize the balance between the groups. The Coronary Artery Disease Self-Management Behavior Scale (CSMS), treatment adherence, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores, and Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS) indicators were compared and analyzed before and after intervention between the two groups. After PSM matching, the baseline characteristics of the two groups reached equilibrium ( P > 0.05). After intervention, the joint group’s total CSMS score [116.00 (112.50, 120.00) points] was significantly better than the conventional group [98.00 (94.00, 103.00) points] ( P < 0.001), with the most significant improvement in symptom management and treatment adherence dimensions. The overall treatment adherence rate was 92.96% in the joint group versus 81.69% in the conventional group ( P = 0.044). In terms of quality of life, the joint group’s scores in all dimensions of SF-36 were significantly higher than those of the conventional group (all P < 0.001), with the largest improvement in the mental health domain. The joint group’s scores in the emotional, physical, and economic burden dimensions of SPBS were also significantly lower than those of the conventional group (all P < 0.001) . The intervention model combining comfort care with diversified health education was associated with robust improvements in self-management ability and quality of life in elderly CVD patients. Treatment compliance showed a favorable trend but requires further validation. Given the heterogeneity of the CVD population, future research should focus on specific conditions such as heart failure. This model may be considered a promising nursing approach warranting further investigation. Not applicable.