Patients' knowledge and concerns about using the implantable cardioverter defibrillator for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death and its correlates: A cross‐sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most common causes of mortality in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction. Patients have concerns about the disease and use the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to reduce the effects of HF disease. The current study aims to evaluate the barriers and factors affecting the implantation of the ICD for primary prevention. METHODS: One hundred‐forty‐seven patients with HF were studied in public hospitals in southern Iran by using a cross‐sectional design from April 2018 to June 2019. Demographic, researcher‐made questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF), general self‐efficacy questionnaires, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were measured for investigating the barriers and impact factors in patent HF. RESULTS: Most participants were male (56.5%), married (88.4%), illiterate (54.1%), and unemployed (72.6%). 62.6% (n = 92) of the participants did not know about HF and ICD. The total score of patients' concerns about using ICD was 47.11 ± 11.26, which showed a moderate level. The scores of knowledge about HF and ICD had a significant positive poor correlation with self‐efficacy, perceived social support and QoL. Also, the score of concerns about the ICD had a significant negative poor correlation with perceived social support. CONCLUSION: Understanding HF patients' issues and obstacles can help us prevent sudden death. Doctors' advice has a significant impact on patients' acceptance. Poor knowledge is the most important reason for nonparticipation. Intervention is necessary to inform patients to understand the advantages and disadvantages.