Associated Factors for Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Their Family Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan.

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers (FCs) need to provide regular assistance and good quality care to patients to prevent the deterioration of chronic heart failure (CHF); therefore, they may have physical and mental distress. However, physical and mental distress in FCs of patients with CHF in Japan is unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the quality of life (QoL), anxiety/depression, and associated factors in patients with CHF and their FCs.

Design: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire between 2016 and 2017 among patients with CHF and their FCs. Demographic data were extracted from medical records. Health-related QoL and anxiety/depression were assessed using the Short Form-12 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales, respectively.

Results: Of 286 patients and FCs (response rate 57.2%), the physical component summary and mental component summary (MCS) scores of FC were higher than those of patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). The incidence of anxiety and depression in patients with CHF was 7.0% and 10.8%, respectively, whereas that in FC was 10.1% and 12.6%. In multivariable analysis, the MCS score of FC was associated with the MCS score of patients (β = 0.22, p < 0.001). Anxiety in FC was associated with anxiety (β = 0.30, p < 0.001) in patients, respectively.

Conclusions: It is necessary to carefully monitor the physical and mental condition of patients with CHF and provide palliative care in collaboration with the palliative care team as needed. Stabilizing the patient's physical and mental condition through palliative care may also help alleviate the suffering of FC.