Critical pathways and factors of non-health outcomes affecting self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes and their differences in patient preference in medical decision-making
Abstract Background The effects of patient sustained self-care behaviors (SCB) on glycemic control are even greater than the effects of medical treatment, indicating the value of identifying the factors that influence SCB. To date, these factors have not been placed in one model to clarify the critical path affecting SCB. The aims of this study were to explore the relationships of these factors and the differences by decision-making preference.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients with type 2 diabetes at a regional teaching hospital. Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit 316 eligible patients via self-administered questionnaires. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for analysis.Results Significant direct pathways were identified from health literacy (HL) to self-efficacy (SE), patient empowerment (PE), and SCB; from SE to SCB; and from PE to SCB. Indirect pathways were from HL to SCB via SE or PE. The pathway from HL to SE was significantly stronger in those preferring shared decision-making than in those who preferred physician decision-making.Conclusions HL is a critical factor in improving SCB in patients with type 2 diabetes, and the pathway from HL to SE differed the most by patient preference for making decisions. Therefore, developing an effective promotion strategy and application tools to improve the overall HL of diabetic is the cornerstone of enhancing SCB in this population.