Assessment Of Chronic Illness Care Research Articles

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lifestyle Behavior and Clinical Care Pathway Management in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: In Italy, as in the rest of the world, government restrictions aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 primarily imposed limitations on social relationships and personal behavior. This situation significantly affected the management of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). The objective was to evaluate the perceptions of patients with T2D regarding the quality of care received during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on dietary and physical activity behaviors. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from June to July 2023 using the convenience sampling of patients with T2D, and the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) and Medi-Lite questionnaires were administered. Results: During the research period, out of the 130 subjects who met all enrollment criteria, 103 patients were included in this study (79.23%). The results of the administered questionnaires were heterogeneous. The average scores from the PACIC Questionnaire for each question displayed significant variability, indicating a range of experiences in the quality of care. In the Medi-Lite survey, fruit, cereals, and olive oil showed the highest adherence levels, with mean scores ranging from 2.58 (SD ± 1.18) for fruit to 1.89 (SD ± 0.34) for olive oil and 1.97 (SD ± 0.17) for cereals. Patients who reported increased food intake during the lockdown attributed it to having more time to prepare meals. Physical activity levels remained unchanged for 48 patients, decreased for 45 patients, and only 9 patients managed to exercise more during the COVID-19 restrictions. Conclusions: Healthcare systems must prioritize comprehensive care plans for T2D that address not only physical health, but also emotional and social well-being. Post-pandemic, promoting healthier lifestyles and empowering patients to manage their condition is crucial. A multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach could support the care of vulnerable individuals, such as patients with T2D, especially during crises like pandemics or other dramatic events.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of Persian Version of Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5As) Questionnaire in Iranian older patients with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundThe Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5As) questionnaire has been designed to evaluate the healthcare experiences of individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Older adults are at higher risk for diabetes and its associated complications. The aim of this study was transcultural adaptation and evaluation of the validity and reliability of the PACIC-5As questionnaire in older patients with diabetes residing in Qazvin City, Iran.MethodIn this validation study, we recruited 306 older patients with diabetes from Comprehensive Health Centers in Qazvin, Iran. The multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to choose a representative sample. The PACIC-5As questionnaire was translated into Persian using the World Health Organization (WHO) standardized method. The validity (face, content, and construct) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of the PACIC-5As were assessed. Data analysis was conducted using R software and the Lavaan package.ResultsThe mean age of the older patients was 69.99 ± 6.94 years old. Most older participants were female (n = 180, 58.82%) and married (n = 216, 70.59%). Regarding face validity, all items of PACIC-5As had impact scores greater than 1.5. In terms of content validity, all items had a content validity ratio > 0.49 and a content validity index > 0.79. The results of confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the model exhibited satisfactory fit across the expected five factors, including assess, advise, agree, assist, and arrange, for the 25 items of the PACIC-5As questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the PACIC-5As questionnaire was 0.805.ConclusionThis study indicates that the Persian version of the PACIC-5As questionnaire is valid and reliable for assessing healthcare experiences in older patients with diabetes. This means that the questionnaire can be effectively used in this population.

Associations between perceived care quality, self-care behaviors, and glycemic control in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes under the national essential public health services program

BackgroundThe rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in China poses a critical health challenge, necessitating effective management strategies. The National Essential Public Health Services Program (NEPHSP), initiated in 2009, focuses on equitable access to health services, including T2D management. This study investigates the associations between perceived care quality, self-care behaviors, and glycemic control in Chinese adults with T2D under NEPHSP, particularly examining the mediating role of self-care behaviors.MethodsConducted from April to November 2020 in Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, this study involved 1,577 T2D patients enrolled in NEPHSP. We assessed perceived care quality using the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scale and developed a comprehensive self-care behavior score, covering nine essential health practices. Glycemic control was evaluated using HbA1c levels. Linear regression models were used to explore these associations, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, while causal mediation analyses examined the role of intermediate variables.ResultsHigher PACIC scores significantly correlated with improved self-care behaviors (β = 0.294, 95% CI: 0.233 to 0.354) and were negatively associated with HbA1c levels (β=-0.109, 95% CI: -0.192 to -0.026). The self-care behavior score inversely related to HbA1c levels (β=-0.197, 95% CI: -0.263 to -0.132). Notably, self-care behaviors mediated 50.41% (P < 0.05) of the effect of perceived care quality on HbA1c levels.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a substantial association between perceived care quality and better glycemic control in Chinese adults with T2D under NEPHSP, with self-care behaviors playing a crucial mediating role. These findings suggest that patient-centered care and comprehensive self-care practices are essential for effective T2D management within NEPHSP.

The Effect of Oncology Nurse Navigation on Mental Health in Patients with Cancer in Taiwan: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

In this study, we investigated the prevalence of mental health problems among patients with cancer and whether oncology nurse navigation improved their mental health outcomes and medical experience. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we recruited 128 outpatients with cancer via purposive sampling from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Participants were randomly assigned to the navigation group (N = 61) or the usual care group (N = 67). Data were collected from January 2019 to July 2020 using questionnaires, including the self-reported Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Demoralization Scale, and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. Data were collected at baseline and after three and six months of the intervention. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. The prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, distress, and demoralization were 17.9%, 15.7%, 29.7%, and 29.7%, respectively. After three months, the participants in the navigation group exhibited significantly reduced levels of anxiety, demoralization, and emotional distress (reduced by 92%, 75%, and 58%, respectively) and reported a better medical experience (odds ratio = 1.40) than those in the usual care group.

Knowledge of Patients' Activation Level Changes Expert US Physicians' Communication in GERD Management.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common. Treatment is to manage symptoms, but medication nonadherence is common. To date, little emphasis has been on understanding patient behaviors and reasons for medication nonadherence. We performed a cross-sectional survey study among expert gastroenterologists specializing in esophageal disease. Survey studies consisted of a 6-item questionnaire measuring physician knowledge of patient activation, the Clinician Support for Patient Activation Measure (CS-PAM), and an adapted 20-item Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC). All question stems were specified to GERD management. Thirty-six experts participated. Most indicated hearing the term patient engagement before this survey (88.9%), but fewer were aware of the term patient activation (33.3%). Respondents were then made aware of the clinical significance of patient activation and asked, based on this knowledge, the likelihood that patients' activation level before the clinic would impact their communication. Responses varied between "to a great extent" and "not at all." Overall, CS-PAM activation scores were high, indicating a high level of support for patient activation. Lastly, respondents indicated their frequency of participating in partnership-building behaviors with patients. More than half (52.8%) of expert physicians "almost always" asked how GERD affected their lives, while less often asked patients about their health habits (22.2%), help set specific goals to improve their eating or exercise lifestyle (19.4%), or refer patients to a dietician, health educator, or counselor for their GERD (11.1%). Patient activation is an important strategy and may provide a behavioral approach to address medication adherence in GERD.

Factors Influencing Adherence to Treatment in Adult Patients with Hypertension

Introduction Adherence to treatment including medication and lifestyle modification is crucial for improving health outcomes in patients with hypertension. However, there is limited research investigating the factors influencing adherence to medication and lifestyle modification, particularly among adult patients diagnosed with hypertension. Objective To investigate adherence to treatment and the predictive power of work status, comorbidity, complexity of medication regimens, perceived severity and risk of hypertension complications, and quality of care affecting adherence to treatment in adult patients with hypertension. Design Cross-sectional correlational predictive research using the multidimensional adherence model as the conceptual framework. Methodology The sample included 156 adult patients with essential hypertension aged 18 to 59 years old who had received antihypertensive medication and lifestyle modification treatment for at least six months at a super-tertiary hospital’s hypertension clinic. Data were collected between April and July 2023. The research instruments consisted of a general profile questionnaire, a treatment adherence questionnaire for patients with hypertension, a perceived severity and risk of hypertension complications questionnaire, a patient assessment of chronic illness care, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, a medication regimen complexity index, and an illness record form. These instruments were examined for content validity by experts and tested for reliability prior to use in data collection. The reliability ranged from .77-1.00. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results The sample had an average age of 46.50 years (SD = 9.65); 63.46% were female. The average score for adherence to treatment was 87.97 (SD = 9.02), with the highest score for average medication adherence of 34.37 (SD = 2.52) and the lowest score for average exercise adherence of 4.33 (SD = 1.89). Additionally, 14.74% were overweight, and 71.80% were obese. The majority were employed (83.33%), without any comorbidities (62.82%), and had a low level of medication regimen complexity (68.59%). Furthermore, they demonstrated a high level of perceived severity and risk of hypertension complications (96.15%) and reported a high level of quality of care (61.54%). In the Multiple linear regression, 30.9% of the variance in adherence to treatment was explained (Adjusted R2 = .309 F(5,150) = 14.858, p &lt; .001). Work status (β = -.262, p &lt; .001), comorbidity (β = -.184, p = .020), perceived severity and risk of hypertension complications (β = .466, p &lt; .001), and quality of care (β = .165, p = .017) together were significant predictors of adherence to treatment in adult patients with hypertension. Recommendation To promote adherence to treatment in adult patients with hypertension, nurses should develop strategy to improve quality of care within hypertension clinics and enhance the perceived severity and risk of hypertension complications as well as enhance lifestyle modifications particularly regarding diet and exercise for overweight and obese adults with hypertension.

Integrated patient-centred care for type 2 diabetes in Singapore Primary Care Networks: a mixed-methods study

ObjectivePatients with type 2 diabetes require patient-centred care as guided by the Chronic Care Model (CCM). Many diabetes patients in Singapore are managed by the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) which...

The Relationship between the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and the Compliance with the Treatment of Individuals with Chronic Illness

Aim This study was performed to examine the relationship between the evaluation of chronic disease care of individuals with chronic disease and their compliance with treatment. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-relationship-seeking study was conducted with patients admitted to the internal medicine clinics of a training and research hospital between June and September 2022 and accepted to participate in the study. The patient Diagnosis Form, Chronic Illness Care Evaluation Scale, and Morisky-8 Item Compliance Form were used to collect data. Data were evaluated with descriptive statistics, independent groups t-test, Kruskal-Wallis, one-way variance, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The overall score for the evaluation of chronic disease care of the patients included in the study was 3.46±0.57, and the mean score of the drug compliance scale was 3.81±1.95. The findings showed a positive and significant relationship between patient activation, decision support, and problem-solving sub-dimensions and the mean scores of drug compliance. Conclusion: The identified patients' satisfaction level concerning chronic disease was moderate, and their compliance with the drug was low. The results indicated that as the patient activation, decision-making, and problem-solving sub-dimensions of the patient's satisfaction with the chronic disease increased, their treatment adherence raised.

#3012 Great impact of the results of PREMs and PROMs in all stages of chronic kidney disease. Analysis of 281 patients

Abstract Background and Aims In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use and relevance of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). The main objective of the study is to analyze scores in quality of life, anxiety, depression, and functional capacity using tests that assess PREMs and PROMs in patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Method Multicenter, cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional study with 281 patients (84 on hemodialysis, 48 on peritoneal dialysis, 50 with kidney transplant, 50 with advanced CKD, and 49 patients with CKD stages 1-2). Two professionals conducted interviews for data collection from all patients. Collected data: For PROMs: PFS (Piper Fatigue Scale), HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), FACIT-F (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale), SF-36, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). For PREMs - PACIC test (Patients' Assessment of Chronic Illness Care), in addition to other comorbidity indices and laboratory analyses. ANOVA statistical analysis was used for group comparison. Results Although patients showed significant differences in age and comorbidities, our analysis shows that the most PROMs do not discriminate between different stages of CKD. The PROMs that most discriminate between different stages of CKD are those related to the Piper Fatigue Scale test. PREMs, analyzed using the PACIC scale, do achieve said discrimination (Table 1). Conclusion The analysis of PROMs and PREMs show the significant impact that CKD has on health-related quality of life. Some PROMs can discriminate between different stages of CKD, but the most effective ones are PREMs, which are an indirect indicator of the quality of care received, contributing to patient involvement in decision-making and empowerment.

Intensive Primary Care Nursing: Exploring the Impact of a Nurse-Led Model for Medically and Social Complex Patients.

Lack of access to primary care contributes to health inequities. Treatment settings that utilize the full experience and training of nurses, both registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), can expand in primary care and successfully address health inequities. This small study describes the implementation of a model of primary care called intensive primary care (IPC), which has eight elements that support the full utilization of a nurse's experience and training. This is a mixed method qualitative study, which reports the observations of the implementation and pre- and post-intervention measures. The IPC model was implemented at a free clinic, which targeted underserved population between 2020 and 2023. Participants were selected as a convenience sample. Participants were to have two or more chronic health problems The participants received primary care using the IPC model, which included setting self-management goals, and meeting with RN or APRN on a monthly basis (face to face, via phone or zoom) to monitor progress toward goals. Twenty-two people were approached, and 19 completed the intervention. Pre- and Post-intervention measures (Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care [PACIC]-20); Functional, Communicative, Critical Thinking Health Literacy; Perceived Stress; Patient Activation; Perceived Self Efficacy for Chronic Disease; EuroQo- 5 Dimension (EQ-5D); Trust in Provider; Emotional Support-Patient Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS); and Patient Health Questionnaire-9) were obtained and analyzed with paired T test (α < .05). Nurses involved meet weekly to share observations recorded in free form notes. These observations were summarized by two of the authors (MD and KF) at the end of the study. All patients had improved physical health outcomes, but more importantly, there were significant improvements in measures known to impact health and health outcomes, specifically, patient activation, self-efficacy for chronic illness, PACIC, and trust in provider. Time spent with patients, both duration and frequency of contact, was observed to have significant impacts.

Effectiveness of the Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC)-tool in patients with asthma, COPD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and heart failure: A pragmatic clustered quasi-experimental study in the Netherlands

Background The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC)-tool was developed to optimise chronic care. Objectives This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the ABCC-tool in patients with COPD, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and/or heart failure in primary care in the Netherlands. Methods The study had a pragmatic, clustered, two-armed, quasi-experimental design. The intervention group (41 general practices; 176 patients) used the ABCC-tool during routine consultations and the control group (14 general practices; 61 patients) received usual care. The primary outcome was a change in perceived quality of care (PACIC; Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care) after 18 months. Secondary outcomes included change in the PACIC after 6 and 12 months, and in quality of life (EQ-5D-5L; EuroQol-5D-5L), capability well-being (ICECAP-A; ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults), and patients’ activation (PAM; Patient Activation Measure) after 6, 12, and 18 months for the total group and conditions separately. Results We observed a significant difference in the PACIC after 6, 12, and 18 months (18 months: 0.388 points; 95%CI: 0.089–0.687; p = 0.011) for the total group and after 6 and 12 months for type 2 diabetes. After 18 months, we observed a significant difference in the PAM for the total group but not at 6 and 12 months, and not for type 2 diabetes. All significant effects were in favour of the intervention group. No significant differences were found for the EQ-5D-5L and the ICECAP-A. Conclusion Use of the ABCC-tool has a positive effect on perceived quality of care and patients’ activation, which makes the tool ready for use in clinical practice. Healthcare providers (e.g. general practitioners and practice nurses) can use the tool to provide person-centred care. Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04127383).

Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) and Its Influence on Patient Compliance With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is a framework that supports the proactive, planned, coordinated and patient-centered care of chronic diseases. The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scale is a valuable tool for evaluating patients' perspectives on chronic care delivery based on the CCM. Few studies have examined its application in China. This study assesses hypertension care in Chinese patients and explores how PACIC scores relate to patient compliance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hangzhou, China, from June to August 2021, including 253 hypertensive patients from 5 county hospitals and 13 primary healthcare centers. The study used the PACIC scale to assess hypertension care delivery and the Compliance of Hypertensive Patients scale (CHPS) to measure patient compliance. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and the total and domain scores of PACIC, as well as the association between CHPS and the domain scores of PACIC. The mean value of overall the PACIC score was 3.12 (out of 5). Problem solving/contextual domain had the highest average score for each item, while follow up/coordination domain had the lowest. Patient activation had negative effects on intention (β = -.18, P < .05), attitude (β = -.21, P < .05), responsibility (β = -.17, P < .05), and the total score of CHPS (β = -.24, P < .01). Delivery system design/decision support was negatively associated with lifestyle (β = -.21, P < .05) and the total score of CHPS (β = -.26, P < .01). Hypertensive patients perceived that they sometimes received hypertension care consistent with the CCM in Chinese primary healthcare settings. A higher level of PACIC score was beneficial for improving hypertensive patient compliance.

Patient perspectives of diabetes care in primary care networks in Singapore: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundType 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important chronic condition worldwide requiring integrated patient-centred care as advocated by the Chronic Care Model (CCM). The Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Singapore organise general practitioners (GPs) with nurses and care coordinators to deliver team-based care for patients with chronic conditions. This study examined the quality of care in the PCNs as defined by the CCM from the patients’ perspective.MethodsThis study followed a cross-sectional convergent mixed-method design with T2D patients across three PCN types (GP-led, Group, and Cluster). The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC, range 1-5) was completed by a convenience sample of 343 patients. Multivariate linear regression was performed to estimate the associations between patient and service characteristics and PACIC summary score. Twenty-four participants were purposively recruited for interviews on the experienced care until thematic saturation was reached. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently and independently. Integration occurred during study design and data analysis using the CCM as guidance. Quantitative and qualitative results were compared side-by-side in a joint comparison table to develop key concepts supported by themes, subthemes, and patients’ quotes.ResultsThe PACIC mean summary score of 3.21 for 343 patients evidenced that some have received CCM consistent care in the PCNs. Being younger and spending more time with the GP were associated with higher PACIC summary scores. PACIC summary scores did not differ across PCN types. The 24 patients interviewed in the qualitative study reported receiving team-based care, nurse services, good continuity of care, as well as patient-centred care, convenient access, and affordable care. Key concepts showed that integrated care consistent with the CCM was sometimes received by patients in the PCNs. Patient activation, delivery system design/decision support, goal setting/tailoring, and problem-solving/contextual counselling were sometimes received by patients, while follow-up/coordination was generally not received.ConclusionsPatients with T2D from the Singapore Primary Care Networks received integrated care consistent with the Chronic Care Model, particularly in patient activation, delivery system design/decision support, goal setting/tailoring, and problem-solving/contextual counselling. Follow-up/coordination needed improvement to ensure higher quality of diabetes care.

CBT-Based and eHealth-Supported Case Management for Patients with Panic Disorder or Depression in Primary Care: Results of a Proof of Concept

Evaluation of a team-based intervention in primary care that includes cognitive behavioural therapy elements and case management and was supported by eHealth components in patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD ± AG) and/or depression. In a two-armed cluster-randomised controlled trial (cRCT), mental health conditions were assessed by the Mental Health Index (MHI-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS), Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS), Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MIA), and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) at baseline (T0), after 6 months (T1), and after 12 months (T2). Scores were analysed as differences from baseline using a mixed linear model with general practitioner (GP) as a random intercept and treatment, time point, and respective baseline value as fixed factors. The majority of participants (mean age 54 years, SD 12.8 years) were women (n = 40, 67.8%). We found consistent mean effects in favour of the intervention group (MHI-5 index, 6.66 [−7.38; 20.70]; PACIC, 15.92 [4.58; 27.26]; PHQ-9, −3.43 [−5.71; −1.14]; OASIS, −2.89 [−5.41; −0.37]). A cautious interpretation indicates promising effects of the intervention. Obstacles to recruitment included the workload for GPs and medical assistants (MAs), potential reservations regarding eHealth, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.Trial registration:The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00016622) on February 22nd, 2019. https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00016622.

Optimising HIV care using information obtained from PROMs: protocol for an observational study

IntroductionSuccessful antiviral therapy has transformed HIV infection into a chronic condition, where optimising quality of life (QoL) has become essential for successful lifelong treatment. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can signal...

Analysis of the key themes in the healthcare of older people with multimorbidity in Germany: a framework analysis as part of the LoChro trial

ObjectivesMultimorbidity challenges healthcare systems. In Germany, coordination of healthcare for older multimorbid patients remains unstructured.This study aims to identify key themes in the healthcare of these patients and the inter-relationships...

Telemedicine in diabetic ulcer management: A pilot study with exploration of medico-legal aspects

Background and aimsThis study aimed to evaluate the quality and efficiency of telemedicine in managing patients with chronic diabetic ulcers and provide an overview of the main medico-legal implications associated with telemedicine management of diabetic foot complications. Methods and resultsA total of 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled from a diabetic foot outpatient clinic in Cyprus between March and May 2022. Participants completed a survey concerning telemedicine services, and the demographic variables and average responses to the PACIC (Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care) questions were examined using descriptive analysis. The majority of patients (84%) were male, with a mean age of 60.9 ± 13.05 years. The average PACIC score was 4.42 (min. 2.7 and max. 5.0). Voice calls were the most preferred method of telemedicine delivery, accounting for 53% of all services. ConclusionTelemedicine can effectively manage chronic patients, such as those with diabetic ulcers, by reducing the burden on resources and maintaining service quality. However, healthcare professionals must be well-versed in medico-legal implications to adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, protect patient privacy, and maintain high standards of care while using telemedicine for chronic condition treatment.

Identification of factors associated with fear of hypoglycemia using the capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior model in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study.

To examined the relationship between fear of hypoglycemia and certain variables in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior model, combined with the context unique to people with diabetes to provide a basis for developing targeted nursing interventions. In this cross-sectional study, 212 people with T2DM were recruited from February 2021 to July 2021. Data were collected using the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey, Gold score, Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scale and Diabetic Self-Management Attitudes Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of fear of hypoglycemia using SPSS 26.0. The mean fear of hypoglycemia score was 74.88 ± 18.28 (range: 37.00-132.00). In people with T2DM, the frequency of blood glucose monitoring, the frequency of hypoglycemia in the past half-year, degree of understanding of hypoglycemia, impaired awareness of hypoglycemia, PACIC, and self-management attitude of diabetes were the influencing factors of fear of hypoglycemia (adjusted R2 = 0.560, F[21,190] = 13.800, P < 0.001). These variables explained 56.0% of the variance in the fear of hypoglycemia. The level of fear of hypoglycemia in people with T2DM was relatively high. In addition to paying attention to the disease characteristics of people with T2DM, medical staff should also pay attention to patients' own perception and handling ability of disease and hypoglycemia, attitude toward self-management behavior and external environment support, all of which have a positive effect on improving the fear of hypoglycemia in people with T2DM, optimizing the self-management level and improving quality of life.

The relationship between hypertensive patients' satisfaction with hypertension care and their antihypertensive medication adherence

BackgroundHypertension is a common chronic disease that causes serious complications. Therefore, its management is critical. Many factors affect the management of hypertension, such as care satisfaction and antihypertensive medication adherence. AimThis study investigated the relationship between hypertensive patients' satisfaction with hypertension care and their antihypertensive medication adherence. Materials and MethodsThis descriptive-correlational study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017. A total of 407 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The data were collected using the descriptive questionnaire, the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) to determine care satisfaction, and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (MASES-SF). Blood pressure, body height, and weight were also measured. ResultsPatients had a low mean PACIC score and a good mean score on the MASES-SF. Their PACIC scores differed by age, gender, number of daily antihypertensive medications, time since last examination due to hypertension, getting information about hypertension, and blood pressure control status (p < 0.05). Their MASES-SF scores differed by perceived economic status, time since hypertension diagnosis, duration of antihypertensive medication use, time since last examination due to hypertension, and blood pressure control status. In addition, there was a weak positive and significant correlation between PACIC and MASES-SF scores (p < 0.001). ConclusionsPatients have low satisfaction with hypertension care and good antihypertensive medication adherence. As satisfaction with hypertension care increases, adherence to antihypertensive medication increases.

The association between Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care Scores and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients.

Chronic illness care is an important factor for health promotion in diabetes since it affects health outcomes such as quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and the quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients. The study used a cross-sectional and correlational design. The sample included 317 patients with type 2 diabetes. A socio-demographic and disease-related questionnaire form, the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scale and the WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. According to the regression analysis, the stronger predictor affecting all domains of quality of life was the overall PACIC. This study demonstrated the importance of satisfaction level of chronic illness care in the improvement of quality of life. Therefore, the factors affecting the satisfaction level with chronic care services should be determined to improve the quality of life of patients. In addition, healthcare based on the chronic-care model should be provided in the care of the patients. PACIC had an important effect on quality of life of the patients. This study demonstrated the importance of satisfaction level on chronic illness care in the improvement of quality of life.