---

Introduction: Self-care behaviors of heart failure patients is essential for optimal disease management. Social support can influence treatment adherence of patients with chronic illnesses. The aim of this study was to determine correlation between perceived social support and self-care behaviors of patients with heart failure. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, 170 patients with heart failure who were admitted in hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were selected with purposive sampling method. Data were collected with 3 instruments: 1- Demographic and clinical questionnaire, 2- "Perceived Social Support Questionnaire" 3- "European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale". Content and face validity of instruments were evaluated. Reliability of instruments were evaluated with internal consistency and test re-test methods. The range of Cronbach's alpha of "Perceived Social Support Questionnaire" in various dimensions were 0.84-0.91 and with test re-test method reliability values was 0.92. Also reliability of "European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale" with internal consistency and test re-test methods was 0.84 and 0.91 respectively. Data for this study were collected in morning and evening shifts through interview and were analyzed with SPSS/18 software. Findings: Results showed mean scores of perceived social support and self-care behaviors was 56.13±16.7 and 39.35±12.3 respectively. Subjects received the largest amount of emotional, instrumental, informational and appraisal support from their spouse. The largest part of perceived social support was related to emotional support. Based on Pearson correlation coefficient test There was a direct and significant correlation between perceived social support and its dimensions with self-care behaviors (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest a direct and significant correlation with perceived social support and self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure.

---

Introduction: Heart failure is a major growing problem that reduces the functional capacity of patients and impaired their social life and is important in declining their sense of worth. The aim of this study was to determine dignity of patients with heart failure and its dimensions whom referred to Zanjan hospitals. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 132 patients with heart failure were selected in convenience sampling method from cardiology ward of Zanjan hospitals in 2014. In this study, reliability and validity of pervious research was accepted Data were gathered by demographic questionnaire, “Inherent Dignity Questionnaire” (IDQ) and “Social Dignity Questionnaire” (SDQ). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS/19. Findings: The mean score of inherent dignity was 0.5±5.2, the mean score of social dignity was 0.4±4.5 and the mean score of dignity in general (inherent dignity + social dignity) was 0.4±4.9. The findings showed a significant correlation between inherent dignity and social dignity in patients with heart failure (P<0.05). Conclusion: Increasing communication and family support and society increased inherent dignity and social dignity of patents with heart failure. Using appropriate strategies to maintain and promote patients’ dignity specially their inherent dignity in society and resolving their economic problems, is recommended.

---

Introduction: Heart failure as a chronic disease is a growing problem in communities. Social support and illness perception are two important factors in the self-care of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between social support and self-care in patients with heart failure by the mediating role of illness perception.
Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 149 heart failure patients in Tabriz, Iran, were selected using the convenience sampling method in 2016. To collect the data, a demographic questionnaire, the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale, Brief illness Perception Questionnaire, and Social Support Scale were used. The validity and reliability had been measured in the previous study. Data were analyzed by the SPSS. 21 and Sobel test.
Results: There was a significant correlation between social support and self-care (r = -0.518, P < 0.01). The Sobel test showed the mediating role of illness perception between perceived social support and self-care (Sobel test = -4.73, P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Illness perception can be considered as a mediator and also a bridge between social support and self-care. It is suggested that nurses, health psychologists and doctors to consider these variables in primary priorities of self-care education.