Coping and health-related quality of life in individuals with heart failure: An integrative review

ObjectivesThe purpose of this review is to examine and synthesize recent literature regarding the influence of coping on constructs contributing to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with heart failure (HF).BackgroundPoor HRQOL is associated with HF-related outcomes, including increased mortality and poor self-care. Coping may influence HRQOL.MethodsAn review of empirical literature was conducted utilizing CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, and PubMed computerized databases for a period of January 2000 to December 2011.ResultsOnly studies investigating coping and physical and psychological HRQOL were found that met the inclusion criteria (N = 16), with 13 studies examining coping and psychological HRQOL, two studies examining coping and physical HRQOL, and one study investigating coping and physical and psychological HRQOL.ConclusionsEmotion-focused strategies are negatively associated with physical and psychological HRQOL, whereas, problem-focused strategies are positively associated with physical and psychological HRQOL in individuals with HF. Lack of experimental studies limits the inference of causality.