Assessment of quality of life in patients with heart failure in Khartoum state in 2022

Author(s): Mushrega Hassan Ahmed Abdalla, Hussam Mohamedalhadi Alamin Alkhalifamohamed, Raed Mohamedsaifeldin Alkhalifa Mohamed, Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Abdalla, Hassan Ahmed Abdallah Eltoum

Background: Heart failure is a chronic, progressive disease that seriously impacts patients’ quality of life, influenced by several factors. Knowing how heart failure affects patients’ quality of life and its associated factors is crucial for a better patient-centered approach and management. This study aimed to assess the quality of life in patients with heart failure attending the governmental hospitals specializing in heart diseases in Khartoum state, Sudan, in 2022.

Methods: This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the governmental hospitals specialized in heart diseases in Khartoum state from October 2022 to November 2022. A probability simple random sampling was applied, and the data were collected by face-to-face interviews method using the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire tool (SF-36). The data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to find the correlation between the various variables. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Khartoum.

Results: The study included 107 patients with heart failure. The patients' quality of life was assessed in different domains, and the mean for each was calculated. Patients had poor quality of life in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire (Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire), especially in the physical health domain (mean score of 8.4 ±27.2). However, the highest mean was the mean of emotional health (62.6 ±48.2). The mean of social activities was moderate (31.3 ±40).

Conclusion: The study concluded that patients with heart failure in Khartoum state have poor quality of life in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire.