Latent profiles of coping modes in rural older patients with chronic co-morbidities: a multi-center study

Understanding coping modes in rural elderly with chronic co-morbidities is critical due to their impact on disease management and psychological adjustment in resource-limited settings. The aim of this study is to identify latent profiles of coping modes and their influencing factors in rural older patients with chronic co-morbidities.

A cross-sectional, exploratory design was adopted. Using multistage random sampling, 2521 rural elderly patients with chronic co-morbidities were recruited from ten rural areas in Guangdong and Shanxi Provinces, China between January 2024 and October 2024. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Medicine Coping Modes Questionnaire Chinese Version, the Three-Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale, the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index, and the Family APGAR Index.

A total of 2521 participants were recruited, with an average age of 71.70 years (SD = 9.47). Three distinct latent profiles of coping modes were identified: the Helpless Group (n = 642, 25.47%), Indomitable Group (n = 390, 15.47%), and Conflicting Group (n = 1489, 59.06%). Compared with the Helpless Group, individuals in the Indomitable and Conflicting Groups were younger (OR = 0.938, 0.961, 95% CI 0.924 ~ 0.952, 0.950 ~ 0.951, respectively), more educated (OR = 3.605, 2.476, 95% CI 2.399 ~ 5.419, 1.822 ~ 3.367), had shorter disease durations (OR = 0.701, 0.793, 95% CI 0.615 ~ 0.799, 0.719 ~ 0.875), reported a stronger sense of meaning in life (OR = 1.044, 1.034, 95% CI 1.037 ~ 1.052, 1.027 ~ 1.040), were more likely to cohabit with a spouse (OR = 1.870, 1.531 95% CI 1.139 ~ 3.071), offspring (OR = 2.172, 1.756, 95% CI 1.306 ~ 3.611, 1.223 ~ 2.522 ) or both (OR = 2.043, 1.693, 95% CI 1.309 ~ 3.187, 1.237 ~ 2.316), and experienced better family functioning (OR = 1.313, 1.180, 95% CI 1.100 ~ 1.567, 1.038 ~ 1.343). Moreover, the Indomitable Group displayed greater social integration (OR = 1.402, 95% CI 1.198 ~ 1.640), while the Conflicting Group had a higher incidence of co-morbidities (OR = 1.357, 95% CI 1.218 ~ 1.513). All p < .05.

This study highlights distinct coping profiles among rural elderly with chronic co-morbidities and underscores the critical role of psychosocial factors in shaping coping behaviors. Targeted interventions addressing psychosocial determinants could optimize disease management and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Not applicable.