A Self-Administered Eating Behavior Scale for Patients With Heart Failure Living at Home: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Scale Development Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing worldwide, with the associated mortality rates rising consistently. Preventing HF progression requires adherence to restricted sodium intake alongside sufficient and balanced nutritional consumption. For patients at home, the preparation of nutritionally balanced meals is essential, either self-assisted or with the aid of close individuals. Patients with HF frequently experience decreased exercise tolerance, depression, anxiety, and social isolation. These concurrent conditions interfere with eating behaviors, leading to inadequate dietary habits. Despite these reasonable hypotheses, measures focusing on the determinants of eating behavior among patients with HF are currently lacking. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a self-administered scale to assess the eating behaviors of patients with HF living at home (SEBS-HF). METHODS The first phase of this study commenced in September 2023, and by May 2024, seven patients with HF and six expert professionals were enrolled as study participants. This study encompasses three phases: Phase 1 involves semi-structured interviews to be conducted with medical experts and patients with HF to identify factors influencing eating behaviors in patients with HF. A preliminary scale will be created based on the information gathered in Phase 1. In Phase 2, cognitive interviews will be conducted with patients with HF and experts; the preliminary scale will be employed to evaluate its content validity. After validation, the scale will be employed in Phase 3 to conduct a cross-sectional study involving patients with HF. The reliability and validity of the scale will be assessed using statistical methods. RESULTS The first phase of this study commenced in September 2023, and by May 2024, seven patients with HF and six expert professionals were enrolled as study participants. This study is scheduled to complete the evaluation of reliability and validity (Phase 3) by late 2025, after which the SEBS-HF will be published. CONCLUSIONS Developing and utilizing this scale will enable a more comprehensive evaluation of the factors affecting eating behaviors in patients with HF. Therefore, medical and welfare professionals should provide appropriate support tailored to their patient needs.