Abstract
Objectives: To describe the knowledge and self-care practices of outpatients with heart failure at Hanoi Medical University Hospital in 2025 and to identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 156 outpatients with heart failure from December 2024 to May 2025. Knowledge was assessed using the Atlanta Heart Failure Knowledge Test (AHFKT V2), and self-care practices were evaluated using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI v6.2). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The proportion of patients with adequate knowledge was 98.7%. The proportions achieving adequate self-care maintenance, self-care management, and self-care confidence were 41.7%, 17.9%, and 44.9%, respectively. Educational level, place of residence, living arrangements, occupation, and prior hospitalization were significantly associated with self-care practices. Conclusions: Although patients demonstrated a high level of knowledge, self-care practices—particularly symptom management—remained limited. Interventions should focus on strengthening patients’ self-management skills.
