Analysis of Predictors of Self‐Management in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Impact of Self‐Management on Quality of Life: A Latent Profile Analysis

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the latent profiles and correlates of self-management behaviours in Chinese rheumatoid arthritis patients and the effects of different latent profiles on the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was used to study rheumatoid arthritis patients. The five dimensions of the Rheumatoid Self-Management Competence Scale were used as exogenous indicators for potential categorisation, and the effects of potential categorisation were analysed by mixed regression to explore the effects of different categorisations on quality of life. RESULTS: Self-management behaviours of rheumatoid arthritis patients were classified into three latent profiles: low self-management daily life management group (25.7%), medium self-management medical behaviour management group (57.3%) and high self-management daily life management group (17.0%). Age, literacy level, per capita monthly income, joint functional status, self-efficacy, health literacy, disease perception level and social support were significant correlates of self-management status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients in the 'high self-management daily life management group' reported the best quality of life, while those in the 'low self-management daily life management group' reported the worst quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant heterogeneity in self-management skills among rheumatoid arthritis patients. Healthcare professionals should develop personalised interventions based on self-management profiles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in order to enhance patients' self-management ability and improve their quality of life. IMPLICATIONS: Few studies have discussed the differences in the various dimensions of rheumatoid self-management levels, and self-management care measures need to be improved for different levels of self-management. This study categorised the level of self-management in rheumatoid arthritis patients into three profiles. The results of this study may provide more personalised interventions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. REPORTING METHOD: The study adhered to the STROBE checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The subjects of the study were outpatient rheumatoid arthritis patients. Prior to the survey, patients were informed about the purpose of the study, informed consent was given to them and signed and they filled out the questionnaire independently. For patients who were unable to fill out the questionnaire, the study members explained it objectively to them and helped them select the appropriate option.