Self-Care Behaviors of Patients With Heart Failure in Thailand: A qualitative descriptive study

Introduction: This study explored people’s experiences of living with heart failure and their understanding of self-management and difficulties faced when making lifestyle changes in the context of high-salt food preferences and a subtropical climate. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 20 Thai individuals with heart failure. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Two overarching themes were: (a) adapting long-established dietary and lifestyle behaviors is challenging in the context of limited knowledge of heart failure, cultural food preparation practices and a subtropical climate and (b) personal values, attitudes, and preferences have primacy over dietary and fluid restrictions. Discussion: In Thailand, strong cultural preferences for high salt, preprepared street foods contribute to repeated admissions for decompensated heart failure. Community-based models of care are urgently needed that support effective chronic heart failure management, with solutions that consider local needs, climate and cultural factors.