Journal of

  Background and Aim: Gender in performing self-care behaviors is a non- modifiable factor. Despite the belief that women are better than men in self-care, there is little evidence to challenge this view. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of self-care behaviors in men and women with heart failure.

  Materials and Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 239 patients with heart failure were assessed. Data were collected by Self-Care Heart Failure Index, Cardiac Depression scale, and Mini Mental status Examination questionnaires . Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 , descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis , t-test and Logistic regression ) .

  Results: Mean score of self-care behaviors in men and women was 44/60±12/05 and 39/71 ± 9/88 from 100 total score, respectively. In the regression model, gender was not a significant predictor of self-care in any dimensions but, there was a significant relationship between sex and self-care confidence (OR=0/52, CI=0/27-1/03), which indicated that women as compared to men have less chance of self-care behaviors due to their status of self-confidence.

  Conclusion : In attention to the point that women had worse self-care behaviors in all dimensions, it is suggested more attention be paid in identifying patients at risk of poor self-care behaviors while planning care and treatment for them, since they are more vulnerable and have more emotional effects of disease and gender should be regarded as a predictive factor.