Heart Failure Family Caregivers' Perspectives of Physical Activity Engagement: A Qualitative Study.
Christina Baker, Heather Coats, Catherine M Jankowski and 1 others
PMID 37403774WHAT IT FOUND
Older heart failure caregivers said their own exercise depended on past activity habits, confidence, home and outdoor options, family support, and caregiving demands.
Technology and classes helped; time and physical problems hindered.
Key findings
01Caregivers who had been active before the heart failure diagnosis tended to keep exercising because they believed they could manage it despite caregiving.
02Facilitators included home or gym resources, outdoor activity when weather allowed, fitness technology, support from family and friends, and coaching.
03Barriers included age-related physical problems, past injuries, and caregiving demands that reduced motivation and activity.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only 13 caregivers were interviewed, and they were recruited from one academic center in the United States. Most participants were female, white and non-Hispanic, so the themes may not apply to other caregiver groups. The study described views, not the effect of any intervention.
Declared interests
The supplied publication types list non-U.S. government and NIH extramural research support. The provided text does not include a conflict-of-interest declaration.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these themes as evidence that a physical activity program improves heart failure caregivers' health. The study describes what 13 caregivers said about barriers and facilitators. It did not test an intervention or measure outcomes.