Heterogeneity of self-regulatory fatigue in patients with coronary heart disease in China: a latent profile and associated factors analysis from a cross-sectional study

Objectives Self-regulatory fatigue (SRF) is a common psychological issue among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, research on the heterogeneity of SRF in this patient population is currently very limited, which hinders the implementation of precision-oriented nursing interventions. This study aimed to explore potential subgroups of SRF in patients with CHD and identify associated factors. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Two tertiary Grade A hospitals in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, China. Participants A convenience sample of 339 patients with CHD. Results Latent profile analysis identified four distinct SRF subgroups: Low SRF group (28.4%), Moderate SRF—poor behavioural regulation group (23.6%), Moderate SRF—poor emotional regulation group (27.4%) and High SRF group (20.6%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age, duration of CHD and illness perception were commonly associated factors for SRF across all groups; frequency of use of medications and experiential avoidance were associated factors for the Moderate SRF—poor behavioural regulation group; female gender was an associated factor for the Moderate SRF—poor emotional regulation group; hope and experiential avoidance were associated factors for the High SRF group. Conclusion Patients with CHD exhibit four distinct SRF subgroups. Healthcare providers can use these findings to identify patients with varying SRF profiles early and implement targeted, subgroup-specific interventions to alleviate SRF.