Chronic Illness Self-Management Latent Profiles in Individuals With Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to identify chronic illness self-management latent profiles based on health literacy, disease knowledge, self-efficacy, disease distress, perceived self-care, and medication use among individuals with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized baseline data from 220 participants in the EXTEND trial. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify distinct chronic illness self-management profiles based on attributes such as health literacy, disease knowledge, self-efficacy, disease distress, perceived self-care, and medication use. Sociodemographic and clinical data were analyzed to explore associations with these profiles.ResultsThree profiles were identified: "high distress" (18.1%), characterized by high disease distress and a high medication use score, indicating greater inconsistency in medication-taking behaviors; "high health knowledge" (38.6%), with high health literacy and disease knowledge; and "high self-efficacy" (43.3%), exhibiting high self-efficacy and perceived self-care. Significant differences in A1C levels were observed across profiles, with the high distress group showing the highest A1C levels. Racial identity and socioeconomic factors were significantly associated with profile membership.DiscussionThis study underscores the complexity of chronic illness self-management in individuals with comorbid diabetes and hypertension. Tailored, multifaceted interventions addressing the unique challenges individuals face in managing their illnesses are crucial for improving clinical outcomes and promoting health equity.