Objective
This study aimed to examine the association between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, self-care practices, and intrinsic capacity in older adults with heart failure.
Methods
A total of 215 heart failure patients aged 60 years or older were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Wuxi, China. The intrinsic capacity composite score was derived from scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), and self-reported visual or hearing impairments. Self-care was assessed using the Self-Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected via a self-designed questionnaire. The associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, self-care, and intrinsic capacity were explored using binary analysis, Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis.
Results
98.1% of participants experienced a decline in at least one domain of intrinsic capacity. The most affected domains were vitality (87.9%) and cognition (60.95%). Reduced intrinsic capacity composite scores were associated with older age (β = 0.138, t = 2.163, p = 0.032), higher NYHA class grade (β = 0.466, t = 8.032, p < 0.001), and poorer self-care (β = -0.133, t = -2.140, p = 0.033).
Conclusion
Intrinsic capacity in older adults with heart failure was found to be related to age, NYHA class grade, and self-care practices. Healthcare professionals should focus on these factors and implement targeted interventions to support this population.