Status of anxiety and depression among chronic heart failure patients: Factors influencing poor fluid restriction adherence.

Background: Anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and can adversely contribute to treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Poor fluid restriction adherence is a widespread challenge in the management of CHF. To effectively manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms, it is crucial to identify key influencing factors to facilitate the implementation of targeted interventions.

Aim: To investigate the status of anxiety and depression among patients with CHF and determine the factors contributing to poor fluid restriction adherence.

Methods: Three hundred CHF patients seeking medical treatment at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in the study. Questionnaires, including the Psychosomatic Symptom Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, and Fluid Restriction Adherence Questionnaire were administered to patients. Based on their anxiety and depression scores, patients were categorized into anxiety/depression and non-anxiety/depression groups, as well as fluid restriction adherence and fluid restriction non-adherence groups. General patient data were collected, and univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the occurrence of depression and anxiety. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing fluid restriction adherence.

Results: Statistically significant differences in age, New York Heart Association (NYHA) grading, marital status, educational attainment, and family support were observed between depressed and non-depressed CHF patients (P < 0.05). Age, NYHA grading, marital status, educational attainment, and family support were identified as factors influencing the development of depression. The anxiety and non-anxiety groups differed statistically in terms of gender, age, NYHA grading, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, monthly income, educational attainment, and family support (P < 0.05). Gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, monthly income, and educational attainment affected anxiety in these patients. The fluid restriction adherence rate was 28.0%, and thirst sensation, anxiety, and depression were identified as independent influencing factors.

Conclusion: CHF patients are susceptible to anxiety and depression, with multiple associated influencing factors. Moreover, anxiety and depression are independent factors that can influence fluid restriction adherence in these patients.