Perceived Control Attitude Among Heart Failure Patients in Oman: A Multicenter Study

Abstract Heart failure (HF) is a global epidemic with a prevalence of over 64.3 million cases worldwide. Several factors account for the increase in the prevalence of HF. The most significant factor is the growing population of older adults. Other factors include improved treatment and survival after myocardial infarction, poorly controlled hypertension (HTN), and diabetes mellitus (DM). As a modifiable construct, perceived control can be improved to promote healthier lifestyle choices, such as self-care, and consequently better health outcomes. A person's perception of control is their conviction that they have the power to deal with adverse circumstances, like receiving an HF diagnosis, and produce favorable results, such an improvement in symptom status. The aim of this study is to assess the determinants of perceived control attitude among HF patients in Oman. In this sample of HF patients (N = 180), the mean perceived control attitude in this sample was 16.97 ± 2.25. Females (p = 0.006), old age (p < 0.001), smokers (p < 0.001), current health compared to one year back (p < 0.001), higher ejection fraction (p = 0.008) and comorbidities (p = 0.026) have significant relationship with perceived control attitude. The perceived control attitude in this sample was found to be adequate. Female gender, old age, smoking, current health, higher EF and comorbidities were the determinants of control attitude. Thus, interventions targeting attitudes, barriers, and social support may improve perceived control. Clinicians should assess and manage perceived control to maintain or improve good health-related quality of life.