Adaptation status and related factors in patients living with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

INTRODUCTION: An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the only approach to treat patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Adaptation and acceptance of ICD play an important role in the optimal treatment of the patients. The aim of this study was to determine adaptation status and related factors in patients living with ICDs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this descriptive–analytical study, 148 patients referred to Kowsar Hospital in Shiraz and Farshchian Hospital in Hamedan city between July 2020 and September 2021 were included in the study. Patients’ adjustment status was measured based on the mode of the Roy nursing model and using the Baecke physical activity questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality, mini nutritional assessment (MNA) nutrition questionnaire, constipation scoring questionnaire, self-concept scale, and multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS). RESULTS: Patients had low physical activity and poor sleep quality. Negative self-concept in relation to the disease and adherence to physicians’ recommendations was observed among patients. In addition, patients did not have optimal interpersonal communication. Multivariate regression findings showed that the number of years of device implantation and the number of shock discharges are effective factors in the incidence of insomnia and the negative self-concept of patients. CONCLUSION: Patients living with ICD did not adjust to the new conditions after placement of the device. Low level of physical activity and sleep disturbance and also negative self-concept about the disease and adherence to treatment was observed among the patients. Shock discharges and duration of the device implantation were associated with impaired self-concept and insomnia in the patients.