Introduction: respecting human dignity has a prominent and important role in studies related to health care services. The present study aimed to determine the factors threating human dignity in patients with heart failure.

Method: this is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. 300 patients with heart failure admitted to the CCU participated in this study. Samples were collected through census. Using “personal characteristics questionnaire” and “threats to human dignity questionnaire”, data was collected in five dimensions including distress symptoms, peace of mind, attachment, social support and existential distress. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistical tests, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and multivariate linear regression were used.

Results: The average human dignity was 81.39. The average score of human dignity had a statistically significant relationship with gender (p = 0.040), place of residence (p<0.001) and underlying diseases (p<0.001). Concerning education level, although the score of human dignity and its aspects was higher in illiterate people (which showed more threats to the dignity of illiterate people), no significant relationship was observed except for the aspect “dependency” (p = 0.026). Distress symptoms had a significant relationship with frequency of hospitalization (p=0.033) and occupation (p=0.022). Income level was significantly associated only with dependency (p=0.040). No significant relationship was observed between human dignity and its dimensions and age group, marital status and number of children. In the multivariate linear regression, education level and place of residence were predictors of threat to the dignity of patients.

Conclusion: the dignity of patients is influenced by factors such as gender, place of residence and underlying diseases; in addition to the mentioned factors, the aspects of the dignity are affected by some factors such as education level, frequency of hospitalization, occupation and income level. Therefore, identifying factors affecting patients’ dignity can increase recovery process and return to the normal life. Respecting patients’ dignity is one of the influential factors that must be considered in the treatment of patients.