Self‐Care Behaviours and Associated Factors in Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Aims To describe self‐care behaviours and explore factors associated with self‐care behaviours in older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Background The prevalence of MCCs is increasing in a rising trend. MCCs complicate the self‐care behaviours of older adults. There is limited evidence regarding the factors associated with self‐care behaviours in older adults with MCCs. Design A cross‐sectional design was adopted using the convenience sampling method. Methods Participants were recruited from a community health service centre. Measurements included the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory, a single item for loneliness, the 6‐item Lubben Social Network Scale, the 4‐item Patient Health Questionnaire, the 15‐item Tilburg Frailty Indicator, and a self‐developed questionnaire for sociodemographic and disease‐related characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used as appropriate. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were adopted to examine the influencing factors. Results A total of 223 participants were enrolled in this study. Among the 223 participants, 49.3%, 32.7% and 28.7% achieved a cut‐off score of ≥ 70 in self‐care maintenance, monitoring and management, respectively. The linear regression models indicated that smoking status, frailty and self‐care confidence were significantly associated with self‐care maintenance; education level, per capita monthly household income and self‐care confidence were significantly associated with self‐care monitoring; and employment status and self‐care confidence were significantly associated with self‐care management. In addition, multivariate logistic regression showed that living in cities or towns was significantly associated with higher odds of adequate self‐care management. Conclusion Three domains of self‐care behaviours were influenced by distinct factors, and self‐care confidence demonstrated consistent associations with all three domains of self‐care behaviours. Self‐efficacy‐focused interventions may have the potential to promote self‐care behaviours in older adults with MCCs. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Healthcare providers need to take into account the pivotal factors influencing self‐care behaviours of this cohort to deliver structured and effective education and support. Clinicians should consider adopting confidence‐building strategies in routine education for this cohort. Reporting Method We adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.