Family cohesion and adaptability in heart failure: an APIMeM analysis of symptom perception and spousal caregiving on patient self-care - Report - MDSpire

Family cohesion and adaptability in heart failure: an APIMeM analysis of symptom perception and spousal caregiving on patient self-care

  • By

  • Yan Yang

  • Jianhua Shi

  • Xiaoying Gu

  • June 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of Family Cohesion on Self-Care in Heart Failure Patients

Overview

This study investigates the role of family cohesion and adaptability on self-care abilities in chronic heart failure patients and their spouses. Findings indicate that both family dynamics significantly influence symptom perception and caregiving contributions.

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a prevalent condition that requires effective self-care for optimal management. Family dynamics, particularly cohesion and adaptability, play a crucial role in supporting patients' self-care abilities.

Data Highlights

VariablePatient Score (Mean ± SD)Spouse Score (Mean ± SD)
Family Function102.36 ± 18.2498.75 ± 16.83
Symptom Perception52.71 ± 12.38-
Caregiver Self-Care-64.18 ± 14.79
Self-Care Index155.73 ± 43.30-
Management Dimension48.67 ± 13.76-

Key Findings

  • Family function scores for CHF patients averaged 102.36, while spouses scored 98.75.
  • Patients reported a symptom perception score of 52.71, indicating a moderate level of symptom awareness.
  • Spouses' caregiver self-care scores averaged 64.18, reflecting their involvement in patient care.
  • The management dimension of self-care in patients was the weakest, with a score of 48.67.
  • Direct effects of family function on self-care ability were significant, accounting for 38.5% of the variance.
  • Spousal family function directly influenced patient self-care ability, accounting for 40.0% of the variance.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the family unit, particularly the spousal relationship, when developing care plans for CHF patients. Enhancing family cohesion and adaptability may improve patient self-care abilities and overall health outcomes.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of family dynamics in managing chronic heart failure.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Cardiac Failure, 2026 -- Supporting Family Caregiver Health in Heart Failure: Longitudinal Associations Between Heart Failure Caregiver Self-Care and Patient Hospitalizations
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Family risk factors, dyadic coping, and family resilience in young stroke dyads: an actor-partner interdependence mediation model
  3. JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- Development and Validation of a Family Caregiver Constraint Index
  4. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Sense of coherence in family caregivers of children with chronic diseases: a narrative review
  5. 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure
  6. Frontiers, 2025 -- Effects of home disease management strategies based on the dyadic illness management theory on elderly patients with chronic heart failure and informal caregivers’ physical and psychological outcomes: a randomized controlled trial
  7. Frontiers, 2026 -- A dyadic perspective on disease coping experiences and support needs in chronic heart failure patients and informal caregivers: a qualitative meta-synthesis
  8. 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure
  9. Frontiers | Effects of home disease management strategies based on the dyadic illness management theory on elderly patients with chronic heart failure and informal caregivers’ physical and psychological outcomes: a randomized controlled trial
  10. Frontiers | A dyadic perspective on disease coping experiences and support needs in chronic heart failure patients and informal caregivers: a qualitative meta-synthesis

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