Chinese Community Home-Based Aging Institution Elders' Self-Management of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and Its Interrelationships with Social Support, E-Health Literacy, and Self Efficacy: A Serial Multiple Mediation Model

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.

Keywords: chronic non-communicable disease; e-health literacy; general self-efficacy; self-management; serial multiple mediation analysis; social support.