Perspectives of heart failure patients in Malaysia towards medications and disease state management: Findings from a qualitative study

• Published in: Journal of Public Health
• Main Author: Ming L.C.; Hassali M.A.; Shafie A.A.; Awaisu A.; Hadi M.A.; Al-Haddad M.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Verlag 2011
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-81155128656&doi=10.1007%2fs10389-011-0415-5&partnerID=40&md5=d46f3684ba96119bb68b8ef5a69d4405

Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences of readmitted heart failure (HF) patients towards managing their medical problems and to identify factors influencing their adherence to medications. Subject and methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted among HF patients who were admitted to Penang General Hospital, Malaysia. A purposive sample of 15 male and 5 female patients of various ethnic groups were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for thematic content analysis. Results: The interviewed patients were generally disturbed by the deterioration in physiological function due to HF. They were aware of the importance of taking HF medications and control of fluid intake but not sodium intake. However, the participants still needed more clarification on ways to reduce sodium intake and improve adherence to lifelong medications and diet. The respondents identified individualized patient self-care, disease, and medication counseling that empower patients to monitor their own body condition to enhance adherence. Barriers identified were limited communication with health care practitioners, lack of correct information about medications and HF, difficulty in remembering, complexity of regimens, and lack of compelling HF symptoms. Conclusion: The present study has identified empowerment of patients in decision making as the main facilitator to improve adherence. These findings suggest that there is a need for doctors and pharmacists to broaden their involvement in exploring and shaping individual patient's beliefs regarding HF and its management in order to achieve successful treatment outcomes. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.