The will to live, illness representations, hope, and heart failure self-care

Background

Heart failure (HF) remains one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Effective management requires both medical treatment and patient engagement in self-care activities. Because self-care can be challenging to sustain, understanding the factors that are associated with self-care behaviors is essential. Illness threat, coping resources, and self-care efficacy may affect heart failure self-care (HFSC). The will to live (WTL) and hope, as coping-related resources, may motivate individuals with HF to engage in self-care and strengthen their confidence in managing their condition.