Association Between Perceived Social Support and Treatment Compliance Among Patients with Heart Failure: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Treatment compliance is a cornerstone of effective heart failure management; however, it remains suboptimal. Identifying modifiable psychosocial factors, such as social support, is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Objectives: This study examined the association between perceived social support and treatment compliance in patients with heart failure. Methods: In this cross-sectional correlational study, 260 hospitalized patients with heart failure were recruited through convenience sampling from a tertiary hospital in Ardabil, Iran. Participants completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Revised Heart Failure Compliance Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Participants had a mean age of 65.9 ± 9.3 years; 58.5% were male, and 74.2% were married. Demographic factors significantly associated with higher treatment compliance included being married, having a higher educational level, and living with family (all P < 0.001). Longer disease duration was associated with lower compliance (P < 0.001). Perceived social support was strongly and positively correlated with overall treatment compliance (r = 0.67, P < 0.001) and with all compliance domains. In regression analysis, social support was the strongest independent predictor of compliance (β = 0.58, P < 0.001), explaining an additional 25% of the variance after controlling for demographic factors. Conclusions: Perceived social support, particularly family support, is strongly associated with better treatment compliance in patients with heart failure, underscoring its importance in self-care. Nursing interventions should prioritize family-centered and community-based support strategies to strengthen long-term compliance and improve clinical outcomes.