Effects of Coping Resources on Depressive Symptoms in Rural Heart Failure Patient-Caregiver Dyads: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling Analysis

Background: Managing heart failure (HF) can be challenging for rural dyads, potentially contributing to depressive symptoms. Coping resources may be important components for dyadic interventions targeting depressive symptoms.Purpose: To explore actor and partner effects of coping resources on depressive symptoms in rural HF dyads.Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 42 rural HF dyads using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12, Social Problem-Solving Inventory Revised-Short, Global Family Function, Family APGAR, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scales. Data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.Results: Patients were 66.42 and caregivers were 60.83 years old. No partner effects noted. Significant actor effects for patients and caregivers between their own social support and depressive symptoms and their own problem-solving and depressive symptoms were found. There was also a significant actor effect between the caregivers’ family satisfaction and depressive symptoms.Conclusions: Dyadic interventions that enhance coping resources are needed.