Health literacy and quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease in Tibet, China: The mediating role of self-efficacy and self-management

Abstract

Background: The disease burden of coronary heart disease patients in Tibet, China, ranks high in the country. Due to the local culture and environment, patients with coronary heart disease have increased risk factors for the disease, and their survival is worrisome.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between health literacy and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease in Tibet, China, and to explore the mediating roles of self-efficacy and self-management.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to July 2021 in Tibet. A total of 258 patients with coronary heart disease in Tibet participated. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess health literacy, self-efficacy, self-management, and quality of life. Pearson correlation analysis and the SPSS PROCESS macro were used to analyze the data.

Results: The mean total score for the health literacy of patients with coronary heart disease in Tibet was 3.59 ± 0.80 points, showing the existence of a limited level of literacy. The quality of life was of an average level, with scores of 57.20 ± 21.70 points and 63.63 ± 20.66 points for physical and mental status, respectively. Self-efficacy and self-management mediated the relationship between health literacy and quality of life.

Conclusions: Self-efficacy and self-management mediate the relationship between health literacy and quality of life. Targeted interventions for health literacy, self-efficacy, and self-management skills are important to improve the quality of life of Tibetan patients with coronary heart disease.

Keywords: Coronary heart disease; Health literacy; Quality of life; Self-efficacy; Self-management; Tibet.