Abstract
Introduction: Heart failure (HF), a common cardiovascular disorder, impairs patients’ quality of life (QoL) and self-management abilities because of its ongoing progression, severe symptoms, and related issues. Health literacy (HL) significantly affects these factors. Thus, this study explored the relationships among these components in HF.
Methods: Using convenience sampling, this cross-sectional research was conducted in 2025 on 150 patients with congestive HF. Data were collected using the Iranian-adapted HELIA (Health Literacy Instrument for Adults) for urban settings, the SCHFI (Self-Care of Heart Failure Index) by Riegel, and the MLHFQ (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire).. Finally, the statistical analysis involved Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression, performed using SPSS 24.
Results: Most participants were male (62.67%), married (58%), retired (60%), and non-smokers (86%), lived in urban areas (77.33%), had primary or high school education (28.67%), and had an average age of 64.35±4.78 years. Average scores showed HL at 118.4±29.64, SC at 141.56±24.34, and QoL at 53.19±20.72. Moreover, HL demonstrated a significant negative correlation with the QoL (r=−0.37, P=0.02r=−0.37, P=0.02) and a significant positive correlation with SC (r=0.56, P=0.009r=0.56, P=0.009). Finally, no meaningful link was found between SC and the QoL (r=−0.013, P=0.12r=−0.013, P=0.12).
Conclusion: The notable ties between health literacy, self-care, and QoL revealed that boosting HL in HF patients could strengthen SC habits and elevate their overall well-being. Accordingly, it is recommended that focused educational programs and workshops be developed and delivered to enhance HL in this population.