BMC Public Health (Dec 2024)

The influence of family health on self-efficacy in patients with chronic diseases: the mediating role of perceived social support and the moderating role of health literacy

  • Zhen-ni Luo,
  • Kun Li,
  • An-qi Chen,
  • Yu-chi Qiu,
  • Xi-xi Yang,
  • Zhi-wen Lin,
  • Jing-han Liu,
  • Yi-bo Wu,
  • Jiang-yun Chen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20906-x
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 15

Abstract

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Abstract Background Chronic diseases are a global health challenge, and therefore, more attention should be paid to improving self-efficacy in people with chronic diseases. This study examined the relationship between family health and self-efficacy, and explored the mediating role of perceived social support and the moderating role of health literacy. The aim is to enhance the self-efficacy of chronic patients by improving family health, social support, and health literacy, thereby improving their physical and mental state. Methods A cross-sectional study based on psychological and behavioural factors was conducted, namely, the 2022 China Residents Survey, which included 5150 Chinese patients with chronic diseases. The General Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form was used to assess self-efficacy, the Health Literacy Questionnaire-short form was used to assess health literacy, the Perceived Social Support Scale–Short Form was used to evaluate perceived social support, and the Chinese version of the Family Health Scale-Short Form was used to assess family health status. Results Family health of patients with chronic diseases had a significant positive effect on self-efficacy. Perceived social support was identified as a partial mediator between family health and self-efficacy, accounting for 59.39% of the total effect. Health literacy moderated the impact of family health on perceived social support and self-efficacy. Conclusions Chronic diseases have become a global health challenge, and more attention should be paid to improving the self-efficacy of the chronically ill population. Our results not only facilitate the understanding of the relationship mechanisms between family health and self-efficacy in chronic patients but can also serve as a guide for healthcare workers and policymakers who wish to provide better care for patients.

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