Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine correlates of depression and perceived health status in patients with atrial fibrillation.
METHODS
The study utilized a descriptive correlational survey design. A convenience sample of 115 subjects were recruited from 3 tertiary medical centers. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, hierarchical multiple regression.
RESULTS
1) Study subjects perceived the low frequency of symptoms, relatively high social support, low depression, moderately low physical health, and mental health. 2) The 38% of variance in depression was significantly explained by symptom(beta= .49), social support(beta= -.21), and education(beta= -.17). 3) The 40% of variance in physical health was significantly explained by symptom(beta= -.55), social support(beta= .16), and education(beta= .20). 4) the 12% of variance in mental health was significantly explained by symptom(beta= -.26), and social support(beta= .24).
CONCLUSION
Most health care providers assume atrial fibrillation patients have very few symptoms. However, symptom related to atrial fibrillation was found to be the most important factors in explaining depression and perceived health status. Additionally, higher social support had great influences on the lower depression and higher perceived health status. Based on the findings of this study, directions for nursing practice and further nursing research for patients with atrial fibrillation are suggested.

• Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Social support; Depression; Health