Depression in Patients with Heart Failure: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Depression is a common comorbid condition among patients with heart failure (HF). Depression in HF is associated with poor health outcomes, increased risk of mortality, readmission, and decrease in functional status. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of HF patients related to symptoms of depression. The study was conducted at a government hospital in East Java, Indonesia and used a phenomenological approach. The population of this study was inpatients with HF who were obtained through a purposive sampling technique. Eighteen HF patients were recruited as participants. Data collection took place from February to May 2016 by interview and field notes. Collected data was analyzed through thematic analysis. There were three main themes that emerged from the data: cognitive function, emotional, and somatic responses to disease. HF patients reported impaired cognitive functions, especially in decision making and perception of disease. They also had several emotional responses including sadness, guilt, hopelessness, suicide, crying, and anger. There were also somatic responses including energy loss, fatigue, disruption of sleep patterns, decreased appetite and sexual interest. Understanding the description of depressive symptoms in HF patients can help nurses and other health professionals provide appropriate interventions to reduce depression. Keywords: heart failure, depression, symptom, qualitative, patient’s experienc