Patient Activation Among Individuals with Chronic Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Empowerment
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Chronic conditions challenge patient self-management and confidence.
• Patient activation (PA) measures health knowledge, skills, and confidence.
• PA in Jordanian chronic disease patients remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient activation (PA) levels among individuals with chronic conditions in Jordan.
• To identify determinants associated with PA in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 666 outpatients in a Jordanian tertiary hospital.
• Utilized questionnaires for sociodemographic, clinical data, health literacy, and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM).
• Bivariate and regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• The mean PAM score was 57.1 ± 9.17, indicating moderate patient activation.
• Adequate health literacy, post-secondary education, and being female were associated with higher PA.
• Older age and polypharmacy were independently associated with lower PA, irrespective of health literacy.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with chronic illnesses in Jordan exhibit moderate to high patient activation.
• Sociodemographic and clinical factors significantly influence patient activation.
• Polypharmacy negatively impacts PA, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.