Self-management abilities, physical health and depressive symptoms among patients with cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the predictive role of direct resources (educational level and marital status) and self-management abilities on physical health and depressive symptoms in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsOur cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 1570 CVD patients, 917 COPD patients, and 412 patients with diabetes. ResultsPhysical health and depressive symptoms of COPD patients was lower than those of CVD and diabetic patients. Correlation analyses indicated that self-management abilities were strong indicators for physical health and depressive symptoms (all p<0.001). This relationship was strongest for depressive symptoms. Self-management abilities were related to educational level in all groups (all p<0.001). Regression analyses revealed that self-management abilities were strong predictors of physical health and depressive symptoms in all three patient groups (all p<0.001). ConclusionThis research showed that self-management abilities are strong predictors of physical health and depressive symptoms. Practice implicationsInterventions that improve self-management abilities may counteract a decline in physical health and depressive symptoms. Such interventions may be important tools in the prevention of the loss of self-management abilities, because they may motivate people who are not yet experiencing serious problems.