https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9146-3478
Abstract
Background
The Chinese population is aging, and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalence is correspondingly increasing, along with associated disability and healthcare costs. Although self-management has been associated with social support and is a recognized priority, its mediating variables have not been studied in detail, particularly among old people with chronic diseases.
Purpose
To examine the mediating role of e-health literacy and general self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and self-management of chronic NCDs in Chinese community home-based aging institution residents.
Patients and Methods
A random sample of 289 community home-based aging institution elders (≥60 years) with chronic NCDs in China was recruited. Questionnaire data were recorded on self-reported socio-demographics, self-management, social support, e-health literacy, and general self-efficacy. Pearson’s correlation analysis identified the relationship between these factors and self-management. Serial multiple mediation model was used to test the hypothesized relationships.
Results
The self-management mean (±SD) score was 29.39 ± 9.60, and the level of self-management was medium. Social support (r = 0.283; P < 0.001), e-health literacy (r = 0.566; P < 0.001), and general self-efficacy (r = 0.477; P < 0.001) were positively associated with self-management. Furthermore, social support indirectly influenced self-management through three pathways: independent mediation of e-health literacy (effect = 0.234, P < 0.001), independent mediation of general self-efficacy (effect = 0.515, P < 0.001), and chain mediation of e-health literacy and general self-efficacy (effect = 0.075, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
In Chinese community home-based aging institution elders, the relationship between self-reported self-management and social support is positively affected by the independent mediating effect of e-health literacy and general self-efficacy and the serial mediating effect of e-health literacy and general self-efficacy. Targeted self-management programs for elders with chronic NCDs have theoretical support, which could improve the health status and quality of life in this population.
Data Sharing Statement
The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article, which can be further queried by the corresponding authors.
Ethics Approval and Participate
All experimental protocols in this study were approved by the Ethics Committee of Hunan Normal University (No: 2021291) and complied with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all old people.
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments to all the old people who participated in the study and to the community home-based aging institutions.
Disclosure
The authors declare that the study was conducted without any business or financial relationship that could be interpreted as potential conflicts of interest.