Malahayati International Journal of Nursing and Health Science
Vol. 9 No. 3 (2026): Volume 9 Number 3

Psychosocial factors influencing adherence to medication therapy and a low-sodium diet in patients with heart failure: A systematic review

Ni Made Sridarmayanti (Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan Universitas Indonesia)
Tuti Herawati (Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan Universitas Indonesia)
Muhamad Adam (Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan Universitas Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with an increasing prevalence that contributes to decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Adherence to medication therapy and a low-sodium diet is a key component of HF management; however, patient adherence remains low. Various factors, including psychosocial aspects, influence this condition. Purpose: To identify and synthesize psychosocial factors that significantly influence adherence to medication therapy and a low-sodium diet in patients with heart failure based on the literature published between 2015 and 2025 Method: This systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed across six databases using the PICOT framework: PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, EBSCOhost, SAGE, and ClinicalKey for Nursing. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Results: A total of 10 articles with a combined sample of 5.611 participants pant were analyzed. The results indicate that depression and anxiety are negative psychological predictors that reduce patients’ motivation and self-regulation regarding adherence. Depression emerged as the dominant factor associated with decreased medication adherence. Social factors, particularly social support, act as protective factors that improve treatment adherence. As a component of social support, family support specifically contributes to adherence to a low-sodium diet through a proxy adherence mechanism. Conclusion: Psychosocial factors influence adherence to therapy in patients with heart failure. Therefore, a holistic approach integrating psychosocial interventions is needed to optimize therapeutic adherence and improve clinical outcomes.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

minh

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Nursing Public Health

Description

Malahayati International Journal of Nursing and Health Science is a peer-reviewed journal and provides a platform to publish areas of nursing and health science. The journal also seeks to advance the quality of research by publishing papers introducing or elaborating on new methods in nursing and ...