Dyadic effects of perceived social support on family health and family functioning in patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives: Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model.

This study indicated that patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives who perceived more social support from nurses were more likely to have high level of family health and function better within the family. The interdependent relationships found in our study highlight a dyadic and family-oriented approach to improve family functioning in patients with heart failure.