The Relationship Between Kinesiophobia, Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Heart Failure: The Role of Patients' Perception of Nursing Care

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Heart failure is associated with psychological and behavioural challenges. Kinesiophobia and perceived nursing care may influence psychological outcomes, but their relationships remain unclear. This study examined the links between kinesiophobia, perceived nursing care, anxiety and depression in heart failure patients. Methods A cross‐sectional descriptive‐correlational study using structural equation modelling was conducted with 300 hospitalized patients. Data were collected using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Patient‐Centred Care Scale and analysed via correlation multiple regression and structural equation modelling. Results Prevalence of high kinesiophobia was 39.3%, severe depression 43.7% and severe anxiety 17.0%. Kinesiophobia correlated positively with anxiety ( r = 0.119) and depression ( r = 0.290). Better perceived care correlated negatively with anxiety ( r = −0.142) and depression ( r = −0.241). Regression showed care negatively predicted anxiety ( β = −0.13) and kinesiophobia positively predicted depression ( β = 0.27). The final structural model revealed that care was negatively associated with anxiety ( β = −0.202) and depression ( β = −0.302), while kinesiophobia was positively associated only with depression ( β = 0.225), not anxiety ( p = 0.129). Model fit was suboptimal (RMSEA = 0.095). Conclusion Although associations were modest, kinesiophobia and perceived nursing care were linked to psychological distress. Addressing movement‐related fears and patient‐centred care is important in multidimensional heart failure management. Relevance to Clinical Practice Nurses should screen for kinesiophobia and psychological distress alongside routine assessments. Identifying fear‐related barriers to physical activity and addressing concerns through person‐centred communication, tailored education and appropriate referral can support more responsive and holistic nursing care. Reporting Method The STROBE statement checklist was used as a guide to reporting this cross‐sectional study. Patient/Public Contribution No patient or public contribution was involved in the design, conduct, analysis or interpretation of this study.