Prevalence of thirst and xerostomia and their associated factors in patients with chronic heart failure in Germany: A multicenter cross-sectional study.
Thirst and xerostomia are common symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and can be very distressing. Studies on the prevalence and associating factors of these symptoms are lacking in patients with CHF in Germany. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of thirst and xerostomia, to determine factors associated with thirst and xerostomia intensity, and to identify interventions that patients use to reduce these symptoms.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven hospitals. Participants completed a questionnaire on thirst and xerostomia and on interventions they performed themselves. Additionally, they were asked about possible associated factors (e.g., fluid restriction, other symptoms, alcohol intake). Prevalence of thirst and xerostomia was estimated with percentages and a 95% confidence interval. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with the intensity of thirst and xerostomia. Interventions used by patients to alleviate thirst or xerostomia were content-analyzed.
Of 371 patients with CHF (71.7% male, mean age 62.4 ± 14.9 years), 78.7% reported thirst and 64.8% xerostomia in the last three days. Statistically significant factors associated with thirst intensity were thirst distress and body height. Fluid restriction, thirst in the last three days, leg oedema, and drug-treated diabetes mellitus were associated with xerostomia intensity. The most frequently reported intervention to reduce thirst or xerostomia was fluid intake (thirst: 95.1%; xerostomia: 86.2%).
A high proportion of patients with CHF reported thirst and/or xerostomia. Factors were identified that could have an influence on the occurrence of these symptoms.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven hospitals. Participants completed a questionnaire on thirst and xerostomia and on interventions they performed themselves. Additionally, they were asked about possible associated factors (e.g., fluid restriction, other symptoms, alcohol intake). Prevalence of thirst and xerostomia was estimated with percentages and a 95% confidence interval. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with the intensity of thirst and xerostomia. Interventions used by patients to alleviate thirst or xerostomia were content-analyzed.
Of 371 patients with CHF (71.7% male, mean age 62.4 ± 14.9 years), 78.7% reported thirst and 64.8% xerostomia in the last three days. Statistically significant factors associated with thirst intensity were thirst distress and body height. Fluid restriction, thirst in the last three days, leg oedema, and drug-treated diabetes mellitus were associated with xerostomia intensity. The most frequently reported intervention to reduce thirst or xerostomia was fluid intake (thirst: 95.1%; xerostomia: 86.2%).
A high proportion of patients with CHF reported thirst and/or xerostomia. Factors were identified that could have an influence on the occurrence of these symptoms.
Authors
Wefer Wefer, Krüger Krüger, Kolbe Kolbe, Seel Seel, Lutao Lutao, Ottenbreit Ottenbreit, Anton Anton, Wuzel-Samimi Wuzel-Samimi, Richter Richter, Stuth Stuth, Hellmich Hellmich, Köpke Köpke, Köberich Köberich
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