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

The study examined the influence of family cohesion and adaptability on self-care ability in patients with chronic heart failure and their spouses. The research included 212 hospitalized patients and their partners from a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. Patient families achieved a functionality score of 102.36 points, while spouses scored 98.75 points. Patients achieved a total self-care score of 155.73 points, with symptom management being the weakest area at 48.67 points. The analysis showed that family function directly influences patient self-care in 38.5% of cases, indirectly through symptom perception in 35.3%, and through spousal care in 26.2%. The conclusion indicates that improving family adaptability and supporting spouses in daily care activities can enhance self-care ability in patients with heart failure.