The mediating role of perceived control in depressive and physical symptoms among patients with heart failure

Shortness of breath (SoB), sleep disturbance, and fatigue are the most common physical symptoms (PS) among patients with Heart Failure (HF). Depressive symptoms (DS) are the most common psychological symptoms that might affect the severity of PS. Perceived control (PC) has positive effects among patients with HF. This study determined whether PC mediated the relationship between DS and PS severity among patients with HF. Three hundred participants were recruited conveniently from four hospitals in Amman, Jodan. Arabic versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Control Attitude Scale-Revised, and the Symptom Status Questionnaire-Heart Failure were used to collect the data. Baron and Kenny's approach through multiple regression demonstrated that DS and PC were independent predictors for sleep disturbance, SoB, and fatigue. This indicated that PC partially mediated the relationship between DS and PS severity. Addressing DS and PC may reduce symptoms; future research should evaluate longitudinal and interventional effects.