Patient factors associated with activation level in peripheral artery disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Education

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a chronic condition requiring active patient self-management.
• Patient activation, encompassing knowledge, skills, and confidence, improves chronic disease outcomes.
• Identifying factors associated with patient activation in PAD is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic and health-related factors associated with patient activation in individuals with PAD.
• To understand predictors of patient activation for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• A single-center study surveyed 91 PAD patients on demographics, activation (PAM-13), PAD knowledge, and functional health literacy (FHL).
• Bivariable and logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with patient activation.

Main Results:

• 72.6% of participants were activated, with adequate FHL (78.7%) and high PAD knowledge (mean 79.1%).
• Factors associated with activation in bivariable analysis included White race, higher income, ability to ambulate, and higher PAD knowledge score.
• Logistic regression revealed younger age, higher income, and higher PAD knowledge score as independent predictors of greater patient activation.

Conclusions:

• A majority of PAD patients in this cohort were activated with good FHL and knowledge.
• A significant minority (27.5%) remained inactivated, linked to poorer PAD knowledge and specific demographics.
• Future research should develop patient-centered educational interventions to enhance activation in underserved PAD populations.