A study of factors associated with kinesiophobia in patients with chronic heart failure based on symptom management theory

Based on symptom management theory, this study investigates the factors related to movement fear in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), with a view to providing a theoretical basis for clinical intervention. A total of 300 patients with CHF who received treatment in our hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected, and the degree of movement fear was assessed by using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK-SV Heart), and the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the scores: the movement fear group (with TSK-SV Heart scores > 37 points) and the no fear group (with TSK-SV Heart scores ≤ 37 points). The basic data of patients in the 2 groups were collected and compared, and logistic regression analysis was used to explore the potential associated factors for the occurrence of movement fear in CHF patients. Among the 300 CHF patients included, 108 cases had movement fear, while 192 cases did not show significant movement fear. Comparisons between groups revealed that the Symptom State Questionnaire for Heart Failure scores were significantly higher in the movement fear group than in the no-fear group, while the proportion of patients with family dysfunction (moderate-to-severe) and lower levels of social support was significantly higher in this group than in the no-fear group. In addition, the Control Attitude Scale scores of the patients in the movement fear group were significantly lower than those in the no-fear group, and all differences were statistically significant (P < .05). Further logistic regression analysis showed that Symptom State Questionnaire for Heart Failure score, family functioning status, level of social support, and Control Attitude Scale score were independent factors influencing the occurrence of movement fear in CHF patients (P < .05). Movement fear in patients with CHF is influenced by a variety of factors, including the severity of heart failure symptoms, family functioning status, level of social support, and perceived control. The results of this study provide a reference basis for the development of individualized management strategies in the future.