Characteristics of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease Living Apart from Parents

Abstract

Background : Social independence is one of the most important factors among adults with congenital heart disease. Social independence has various definitions. Based on previous studies, the indicators of independence in this population include employment and marital status. In this study, we focused on living apart from parents as an indicator of the ability to live independently even after the death of parents among adults with congenital heart disease. Methods : A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted, and a logistic regression analysis was per-formed to identify factors associated with living apart from parents. Results : Valid responses were obtained from 373 participants. Of them, 237 (63.5 ％ ) lived with their parents, and 135 (36.2 ％ ) lived apart from their parents. The employment rate was 61.9 ％ . Using a multivariate logistic regression analysis, disease complexity, educational level, and employment status were found to be independent factors for living apart from parents among adults with congenital heart disease. Conclusion : The important factors associated with living apart from parents among adults with congenital heart disease were low disease severity, high educational level, and regular employment status.