Abstract

PELEGRINO, Viviane Martinelli; DANTAS, Rosana Aparecida Spadoti  and  CLARK, Alexander Michael. Health-related quality of life determinants in outpatients with heart failure. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem [online]. 2011, vol.19, n.3, pp. 451-457. ISSN 0104-1169.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692011000300002.

This descriptive and exploratory study analyzed variables associated with health-related quality of life among 130 outpatients. Health-related quality of life was measured through the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Significant associations were found between patients’ health-related quality of life and their age (r=-0.177; p=0.044), vitality (r=-0.625; p=<0.001) as well as mental health (r=-0.672; p=<0.001), which are both SF-36 domains. The linear regression showed that heart failure symptom severity, vitality and mental health explained 54% of HRQOL measurement variation. To control symptoms and preserve good mental well-being are important to maintain health-related quality of life and to deliver effective heart failure care.

Keywords : Heart Failure; Quality of Life; Mental Health; Symptoms.