Chronic Disease Self-management Research Articles

Key stakeholders' perspectives on the development of an early dietary phosphate self-management strategy for children and young people with chronic kidney disease stages 1-3: A modified Delphi consensus process.

An early dietary phosphate intervention (EPI) can provide vital medical benefits supporting self-management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood. To utilise expert consensus to provide early modelling for an EPI to guide clinical practice across a paediatric renal network. Forty-eight statements across six domains were constructed following a systematic review and semi-structured interviews with children and young people (CYP), parents and healthcare professionals (HCP). A three-round online Delphi survey with parents and paediatric renal multi-disciplinary healthcare experts was undertaken. Twenty-one experts agreed on 56 statements over three Delphi rounds. Statements were accepted in all six domains: definition of an EPI (2), rationale (12), intended users (3), delivery (14) (when [1], where [3], who [2], how [8]), other considerations (16) and potential concerns (9). Consensus was reached on a definition and a set of guiding principles, providing some early modelling for implementation and future research on the development of an EPI strategy for CYP with CKD.

Effectiveness of Trained Community Lay Workers on Glycemic Control, Knowledge, and Self-Efficacy Among Agricultural Workers with Diabetes in the Texas Panhandle.

Systemic health barriers, economic challenges, and lack of follow-up care exacerbate self-management of chronic diseases like diabetes among Hispanic agricultural workers. The primary objective of this pilot project was to determine the benefit of using community coaches to decrease A1C levels and increase diabetes knowledge among agricultural workers with diagnosed diabetes in the Texas Panhandle. A longitudinal study design with two phases was used to create, deliver, and evaluate a diabetes coaching program. Phase 1 was the development of the program and community coaches training (n = 4). In Phase 2, the coaches then delivered the program over 12 weeks to thirteen clients. Phase 1: All coaches were Hispanic females, 28.3 (SD 3.8) years of age, half had at most a high school education level and the other half had a vocational certification (n = 4). Mean DKQ-24 score was 54.2% (SD = 29.7) at baseline and 75.0% (SD = 31.4) after training (t (4) = 4.6, P < 0.05). We observed a very large difference between mean baseline and exit DKQ-24 scores relative to the pooled standard deviation, resulting in an effect size estimate of 0.59 indicative of a medium to large learning effect. Phase 2: Clients were Hispanic Spanish-speaking, predominantly female (55%), 44.4 (SD 6.8) years of age with at most a high school level of education (88.9%) and occupations varied from dairy farm worker (33.3%), meat processing worker (33.3%), and other agriculture or manufacturing position (33.3%). The mean SKILLD score was 40.0% (SD = 28.7) at baseline, increasing to 72.2% (SD = 25.4) at 12 weeks upon completion of the coaching program (t (9) = 2.956, P < 0.05). We observed a very large difference between mean baseline and exit SKILLD scores relative to the pooled standard deviation, resulting in an effect size estimate of 1.13 indicative of a large learning effect. The mean A1C levels at baseline screening was 8.3% (SD = 3.0) and 7.6% (SD = 3.0) at exit screening, representing a 0.7% decrease (p = 0.4730). No statistically significant differences were observed between depression (p = 0.786) or anxiety (p = 1.000) measures at baseline compared to exit. Training and coaching programs for hard-to-reach agricultural and meat processing workers must be culturally, linguistically, and literacy appropriate for both coaches and clients. The program must be feasible and sustainable, focus on empowering community members, capitalize on technological advances and persisting new-normals from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as dismantle common systemic barriers to health and understanding lived-experiences of agricultural working populations in rural regions.

A Mobile App for Chronic Disease Self-Management for Individuals with Low Health Literacy: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mobile app designed to improve chronic disease self-management in patients aged 40 years and older with low health literacy and who had at least one chronic health condition, and to assess the impact of delivering information at different levels of reading difficulty. A randomized controlled trial was completed at two sites. Individuals aged 40 years and older screened for low health literacy who had at least one chronic health condition were randomly assigned to a tailored information multimedia app with text at one of three grade levels. Four primary outcomes were assessed: patient activation, chronic disease self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and medication adherence. All groups showed overall increases in activation, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life, but no change in medication adherence. No between-group differences were observed. The mobile app may have been effective in increasing participants’ levels of several psychosocial variables, but this interpretation can only be advanced tentatively in light of the lack of control-experimental group differences. Reading difficulty level was not significantly related to outcomes.

A mobile app providing individually-tailored psychoeducation about sleep for older adults with chronic health conditions and low health literacy.

This paper reports on a study of a mobile app that provides tailored information about sleep to individuals aged 40 and older who have chronic health conditions and low health literacy. The sleep module was a part of a multitopic app focused on chronic disease self-management. Participants were randomly assigned to receive sleep psychoeducation at reading levels equivalent to 3rd, 6th or 8th grade. The primary outcome measure was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which was completed at baseline, after the intervention, and again three months later. Outcomes were assessed using repeated measures mixed effects models. Most participants were Black, Indigenous, or Other Persons of Color (BIPOC; 87%); they had average reading level at the 7th grade. Health literacy, socioeconomic status, and number of health conditions were related to the PSQI. The PSQI score decreased over the course of the three study visits for all groups, consistent with a small to medium effect size (d = 0.40). No effect of treatment group was observed. Participants were positive about the usefulness and helpfulness of the app. Results suggest that a brief tailored information intervention may be beneficial for individuals aged 40 and older who have low health literacy and chronic health conditions. Further development of the intervention may enhance its clinical effectiveness.

Impact of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program on the Self-Perceived Health of People in Areas of Social Vulnerability in Asturias, Spain.

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) focuses on a health promotion perspective with a salutogenic approach, reinforcing the pillars of self-efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the CDSMP on Self-perceived Health (SPH) in disadvantaged areas of Asturias, España. The study included vulnerable adults with experience of chronic diseases for over six months, along with their caregivers. The intervention consisted of a six-session workshop led by two trained peers. SPH was evaluated by administering the initial item of the SF-12 questionnaire at both baseline and six months post-intervention. To evaluate the variable "Change in SPH" [improvement; remained well; worsening/no improvement (reference category)], global and disaggregated by sex multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were applied. There were 332 participants (mean = 60.5 years; 33.6% were at risk of social vulnerability; 66.8% had low incomes). Among the participants, 22.9% reported an improvement in their SPH, without statistically significant sex-based differences, while 38.9% remained in good health. The global model showed age was linked to decreased "improvement" probability (RRRa = 0.96), and the "remaining well" likelihood drops with social risk (RRRa = 0.42). In men, the probability of "remaining well" decreased by having secondary/higher education (RRRa = 0.25) and increased by cohabitation (RRRa = 5.11). Women at social risk were less likely to report "remaining well" (RRRa = 0.36). In conclusion, six months after the intervention, 22.9% of the participants had improved SPH. Age consistently decreased the improvement in the different models.

The Effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program in Improving Patients' Self-Efficacy and Health-Related Behaviors: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a valuable educational resource for supporting patients' self-management behaviors. However, no evidence supporting its effectiveness in the Saudi Arabian population exists. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 6-month CDSMP in individuals with chronic conditions in Saudi Arabia within a primary care context. A quasi-experimental design was conducted in 110 adults living with ≥1 chronic disease in Saudi Arabia. The patients in the experimental group (n = 45) participated in a six-session CDSMP, whereas those in the control group (n = 65) continued their usual care. Baseline and 6-month assessments were conducted using relevant questionnaires to assess outcome measures. Analysis of covariance revealed that the participants who underwent the CDSMP had significantly higher self-efficacy levels in managing their conditions (F = 9.80, p < 0.01) and a greater tendency to adopt healthy behaviors to successfully manage their chronic illnesses (F = 11.17, p < 0.01). The participants who underwent the CDSMP also showed significant improvements in all health-related outcomes compared with those in the control group (p < 0.01). These findings indicated that the program had a positive effectiveness in self-efficacy, self-management behaviors, and health-related outcomes among adults with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia. The CDSMP may be integrated into primary care settings to help patients successfully manage their chronic conditions.

Can pain be self-managed? Pain change in vulnerable participants to a health education programme.

Chronic pain exerts a significant impact on the quality of life, giving rise to both physical and psycho-social vulnerabilities. It not only leads to direct costs associated with treatments, but also results in indirect costs due to the reduced productivity of affected individuals. Chronic conditions can be improved by reducing modifiable risk factors. Various educational programs, including the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP), have demonstrated the advantages of enhancing patient empowerment and health literacy. Nevertheless, their efficacy in addressing pain symptoms has received limited attention, especially concerning vulnerable populations. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of the CDSMP in alleviating pain among socio-economically vulnerable participants with chronic conditions. By accounting for a wide range of variables, and using data from the EFFICHRONIC project (EU health programme), we investigated the changes in pain levels after the intervention, among 1070 participants from five European countries. Our analyses revealed a significant reduction in pain following the intervention. This finding supports the notion that training programs can effectively ameliorate pain and alleviate its impact on the quality of life, particularly in vulnerable populations. Younger participants, as well as those with higher education levels and individuals experiencing higher levels of pain at baseline, were more likely to experience a reduction in their pain levels. These findings underscore the importance of recognising the social determinants of health. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ISRCTN70517103).

Development and Psychometric Assessment of “Self-Efficacy Scale” for Patients With Beta Thalassemia Major: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background and Purpose:Since self-efficacy is a significant factor influencing the self-management of chronic diseases, including thalassemia major, it is considered a key concept in chronic diseases. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate the self-efficacy scale for patients with thalassemia major.Methods:This was a mixed-methods study conducted in two phases. In phase 1, a qualitative study with a conventional content analysis design was conducted. In phase 2, which was a quantitative one, the psychometric analysis of the instrument’s phrases was done.Results:The instrument has 35 items and 3 factors. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient were .93 and .94, respectively.Conclusions:This study confirms the validity and reliability of the Beta Thalassemia Major Self-Efficacy Scale. With this tool, nurses can evaluate the self-efficacy of patients with thalassemia major.

Impact of COPD stage on self management with COPD patients: The mediating role of symptoms management.

It is extremely important to determine the relationship between COPD and self-management (SM) in the disease process. However, the impact of symptom management (SpM) on this relationship is still unclear. The study aimed to examine the mediating role of SpM in the effect of the COPD stage on SM. A predictive correlational study was reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. This study was conducted between 15 February 2023 and 15 June 15 2023, with 306 patients. Data were collected using the Symptom Management Scale for Self-Efficacy and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Scale. Descriptive statistics and Process Macro Model 4 in the SPSS program were used for data analysis. Most of the patients were in the moderate stage of COPD; their SM scores were at low levels; SpM scores were at moderate levels. The model was significant, and the variables explained 65% of the model. The COPD stage was significantly positively correlated with SpM and negatively correlated with SM. There was a significant positive impact between SpM and SM. The positive and significant standardised indirect effect of SpM on SM evidenced a full mediating effect. Symptom management has a full mediating role in the effect of the COPD stage on SM. It was revealed that the level of SM can be increased by achieving SpM. Symptoms are vital in COPD. Progression of COPD increases symptom severity. Being successful in SpM greatly contributes to the achievement of self-management. Therefore, nurses should definitely consider symptom control in strengthening self-management in the care of patients with COPD. Patients' COPD stage was determined by a pulmonologist involved in the study. Voluntary patients with COPD hospitalised in the pulmonology clinic were included in the study.

A Pilot of a Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme in Moldova

ABSTRACT Over half of the world’s mortality is associated with chronic diseases. Living with chronic diseases can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. The daily management of these diseases falls mostly on patients themselves. Self-management interventions have become increasingly used as a complementary intervention to treatment and care. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) is the most widespread self-management intervention. It aims to empower patients and provide them with the skills to manage their disease and prevent complications. A locally adapted CDSMP was piloted in the Republic of Moldova in 2018/2019 in five villages across three rural districts. In five groups led by peer facilitators, 63 participants were enrolled in the programme. Four participants were lost to follow-up. To evaluate the intervention, we used the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Diseases six-item scale questionnaire with participants before and after the programme, along with a questionnaire to assess satisfaction with the programme. Additionally, we conducted a focus group discussion (FGD) with the 10 programme facilitators. We found that, not only did participants’ self-efficacy significantly increase between baseline and follow-up (from mean score of 5.3 to 8.3; t(58) = -12.2, p < 0.001), they also improved their knowledge on every individual item on how to manage a chronic disease (p < 0.001). Participants’ satisfaction was high, with 96% of respondents satisfied with content, format and delivery elements of the intervention. Hence, we believe the CDSMP is locally acceptable and effective at least in the short-term, and offers promises for scale-up in the Republic of Moldova.

Characterising user engagement with mHealth for chronic disease self-management and impact on machine learning performance

Mobile Health (mHealth) has the potential to be transformative in the management of chronic conditions. Machine learning can leverage self-reported data collected with apps to predict periods of increased health risk, alert users, and signpost interventions. Despite this, mHealth must balance the treatment burden of frequent self-reporting and predictive performance and safety. Here we report how user engagement with a widely used and clinically validated mHealth app, myCOPD (designed for the self-management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), directly impacts the performance of a machine learning model predicting an acute worsening of condition (i.e., exacerbations). We classify how users typically engage with myCOPD, finding that 60.3% of users engage frequently, however, less frequent users can show transitional engagement (18.4%), becoming more engaged immediately ( < 21 days) before exacerbating. Machine learning performed better for users who engaged the most, however, this performance decrease can be mostly offset for less frequent users who engage more near exacerbation. We conduct interviews and focus groups with myCOPD users, highlighting digital diaries and disease acuity as key factors for engagement. Users of mHealth can feel overburdened when self-reporting data necessary for predictive modelling and confidence of recognising exacerbations is a significant barrier to accurate self-reported data. We demonstrate that users of mHealth should be encouraged to engage when they notice changes to their condition (rather than clinically defined symptoms) to achieve data that is still predictive for machine learning, while reducing the likelihood of disengagement through desensitisation.

Financial Health Literacy and Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Concept Analysis

Aim. To examine and clarify the concept financial health literacy (FHL) within the context of aging and healthcare. Background. Older adults have a high chronic disease burden and low financial and health literacy levels which often leads to high healthcare costs and poor self-management. Clarification of the concept FHL is necessary to better support nursing care and successful self-management. Design. Concept analysis using literary synthesis. Data Sources. Electronic databases were used to find scientific literature (i.e., PubMed, CINAHL, and Business Source Complete), and online dictionaries were used to find basic definitions. Review Methods. Walker and Avant’s eight-step method was used as a guide to construct a concept analysis of FHL. Clinical, aging, financial, and economic studies were reviewed to determine defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of FHL on the older adult’s health. Results. FHL is defined as the knowledge, skills, and ability to make decisions that allow an individual to manage finances to optimally meet healthcare-related and household expenses, including resources to self-manage health, and plan for short-term, long-term, and end-of-life healthcare. Personal context, opportunity, and access are antecedents to FHL. There are 3 defining attributes: knowledge about health and financial-related concepts, skills in health and financial planning, and healthcare and financial-related decision-making behaviors. The 4 consequences of FHL include effective healthcare utilization, effective cost management, effective self-management, and positive health outcomes. Conclusions. FHL is a complex, multidimensional concept. A better understanding of this concept has significant nursing implications for research, clinical, practice, education, and policy development. Older adults have unique health and financial needs due to the complexity of retirement, living on a fixed income, and self-management of chronic diseases. Development of a FHL assessment tool and intervention is needed and may be supported based on the results of this concept analysis.

Diabetic Self-Management and Correlated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Prevention of diabetes complications has an important role in decreasing mortality and morbidity in diabetes patients. Self-management in diabetic patients (DSM) is a recommended strategy to increase the quality of life in diabetes patients. Several factors are related to self-management in diabetic patients. This study aims to discover factors related to self-management in diabetic patients. This is a cross-sectional study performed on 42 diabetic patients. Respondents were given a Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24) and a self-management behaviour questionnaire in Diabetes Mellitus (SMDM). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. This study had no significant relation between age and self-management (p = 0.987). There was also no statistically significant relationship between gender, education level, and knowledge level with p-value of 0.651, 0.559, and 0.558, respectively. Moreover, there was no correlation between participation in chronic disease management programs and self-management with p = 0.559. This study concluded no correlation between age, gender, education level, knowledge level, and participation in chronic disease management programs with self-management of diabetic patients.

Framework for policymaking on self-management of health by older adults using technologies

BackgroundDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support care management exponentially increased. Governments around the world adapted existing programs to meet the needs of patients. The reactivity of governments, however, led to changes that were inequitable, undermining groups such as older adults living with chronic diseases and disability. Policies that align with recent developments in ICTs can promote better health outcomes and innovation in care management. A framework for policymaking presents potential for overcoming barriers and gaps that exist in current policies.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to examine how well a provisional framework for policymaking represented the interactions between various components of government policymaking on older adults’ self-management of chronic disease and disability using ICTs.MethodsThrough an online survey, the study engaged policymakers from various ministries of the government of Ontario in the evaluation and revision of the framework. The data were analyzed using simple statistics and by interpreting written comments.ResultsNine participants from three ministries in the government of Ontario responded to the questionnaire. Overall, participants described the framework as useful and identified areas for improvement and further clarification. A revised version of the framework is presented.ConclusionsThrough the revision exercise, our study confirmed the relevance and usefulness for a policymaking framework on the self-management of disease and disability of older adults’ using ICTs. Further inquiries should examine the application of the framework to jurisdictions other than Ontario considering the dissociated nature of Canadian provincial healthcare systems.

The Rising Challenge of Poor Health Literacy of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Preliminary Data Identify Important Unmet Needs in an Italian Cohort.

Health literacy (HL) is pivotal for the successful self-management of chronic diseases. Little HL information is currently available in SSc patients; therefore, the present study aims at evaluating the HL levels in an Italian cohort of SSc patients. SSc patients were enrolled with the support of Italian patient associations, from September 2022 to March 2023. Health literacy characteristics were derived from the Health Literacy Scale European Questionnaire-16 (HLS-EU-Q16), consisting of 16 items designed on a four-point Likert scale ranging from "very difficult" to "very easy", and three HL levels were identified: inadequate HL (0-8 score); problematic HL (9-12 score); and sufficient HL (13-16 score). Enrolled patients (n = 57, mean age = 59 years, SD = 13.2) were mostly female (98.2%), partnered (73.7%), and unemployed or retired (67.9%). Almost half of SSc patients were diagnosed more than 10 years ago, with first symptoms appearing on average 19 years ago (SD 10.5). In 63% of the participants, the overall health literacy skills were inadequate, or problematic, especially in the health care and disease prevention domains. Indeed, 49.2% of the patients declared difficulty in finding information on treatments for illnesses and where to get professional help (42.1%), 47.6% found difficulty in retrieving information on how to manage mental health problems, and 40.4% declared difficulties in judging whether the information on health risks in the media was reliable. Our findings show that SSc patients have inadequate or problematic levels of HL, suggesting the need for periodic screenings to uncover poor health literacy skills and to provide tailored and understandable educational material. This study was not registered.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Self-Management Program on Patients Living with Chronic Diseases.

Chronic diseases are a major public health concern globally, and the position in Saudi Arabia is no exception. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a widely used intervention process to address care of chronic conditions. However, its effectiveness in a Saudi context has not been extensively studied. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the post-intervention outcomes of the CDSMP in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a qualitative design on patients with chronic conditions. Data were collected through two focus group sessions with 15 participants who had completed the CDSMP. A thematic analysis technique was used for data analysis. Three key themes emerged from analysis of the qualitative data obtained through the focus groups: the perceived benefits from participation in the CDSMP workshop; the impact of the CDSMP workshop on improving health status and quality of life; and, the cultural acceptability of the CDSMP. The study also found that the CDSMP was effective in improving participants' self-management skills and quality of life. Additional benefits included increased motivation for behavioral change, enhanced confidence regarding self-care of chronic conditions, improved communication with healthcare providers, and better coping strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the CDSMP in addressing chronic conditions in Saudi Arabia. The program's emphasis on self-management skills and peer support aligns with the cultural values of Saudi Arabia. However, applying the CDSMP across various chronic conditions should be addressed in future interventions.

Patient activation in advanced chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPatient activation refers to the knowledge, confidence and skills required for the management of chronic disease and is antecedent to self-management. Greater self-management in chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in improved patient experience and patient outcomes.AimTo examine patient activation levels in people with CKD stage 5 pre-dialysis and determine associations with sociodemographic characteristics, treatment adherence and healthcare utilisation.Methods/designPeople with CKD stage 5 not receiving dialysis from one Australian kidney care service. Patient activation was measured using the 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13). Sociodemographic and clinical outcome data (emergency department visits, admissions) were collected from medical records. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to determine self-report medication adherence.ResultsTwo hundred and four participants completed the study. The mean PAM-13 score was 53.4 (SD 13.8), with 73% reporting low activation levels (1 and 2). Patient activation scores significantly decreased with increased age (P < 0.001) and significantly increased with higher educational levels (P < 0.001). Higher patient activation level was associated with fewer hospital emergency department visits (P = 0.03) and increased medication adherence (P < 0.001).ConclusionPatient activation levels are low in people with CKD stage 5 not receiving dialysis suggesting limited ability for self-management and capacity for optimally informed decisions about their healthcare. Efforts to improve patient activation need to consider age and education level.Graphical abstract

Telehealth Behavioral Intervention for Chronic Disease Self-Management in Adults With Physical Disabilities (My Health, My Life, My Way): Protocol for Intervention Fidelity and Dashboard Design for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Individuals with physical disabilities experience higher rates of chronic health conditions than individuals without physical disabilities. Self-management programs that use health coaching are effective at eliciting health behavior change in health outcomes such as goal setting, adherence, and health care use. Additionally, web-based resources such as telehealth-based technologies, including SMSS text messaging, web-based applications, and educational multimedia content, can complement health coaching to improve health-related behaviors and the use of health services. The complexity of studies using these resources requires a fidelity protocol to ensure that health behavior studies are administered properly. The My Health, My Life, My Way fidelity protocol provides methods, strategies, and procedures of a multifaceted telehealth program for individuals with permanent physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. This health behavior study is a randomized controlled trial with four study arms: (1) scheduled coaching calls with gamified rewards, (2) no scheduled coaching calls with gamified rewards, (3) scheduled coaching calls with fixed rewards, and (4) no scheduled coaching calls with fixed rewards. To guide the fidelity protocol developed, we used the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium framework (NIH BCC). The fidelity intervention protocol was developed by using the 5 primary domains provided by the NIH BCC: study design, provider training, treatment delivery, treatment receipt, and enactment of treatment skills. Following the NIH BCC guidelines and implementing social cognitive theory, this study is designed to ensure that all study arms receive equal treatment across conditions and groups. Health coaches and providers will be trained to deliver consistent health coaching, and thus participants will receive appropriate attention. Educational content will be developed to account for health literacy and comprehension of the material. Multiple fidelity intervention steps such as coaching call logs, regular content review, and participant progress monitoring will translate to participants using the skills learned in their daily lives. Different monitoring steps will be implemented to minimize differences among the 4 treatment groups. My Health, My Life, My Way has been approved by the institutional review board and will begin enrollment in January 2024 and end in December 2024, with results reported in early 2025. Intervention fidelity protocols are necessary to ensure that health behavior change studies can be implemented in larger real-world settings. The My Health, My Life, My Way fidelity protocol has used the guidelines by the NIH BCC to administer a telehealth intervention combined with health coaching for individuals with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. This fidelity protocol can be used as a complementary resource for other researchers who conduct similar research using telehealth technologies and health coaching in real-world settings. ClinicalTrials NCT05481593; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05481593. PRR1-10.2196/53410.

Patient activation and medication adherence in adults

BackgroundPatients’ level of medication adherence provides conflicting results in its relationship to patient activation. Multiple factors may be contributing to these mixed results. ObjectivesThe primary purpose was to assess the association of patient activation to medication adherence in adults with chronic health conditions and low health literacy (HL). Secondary objectives were to determine whether age, education, gender, and race were associated with activation. MethodsParticipants completed self-report questionnaires regarding chronic disease self-management. Patient activation was measured using Hibbard’s Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Self-report of medication adherence was determined using the Gonzalez-Lu adherence questionnaire. Block regressions first assessed the relation of demographic variables and education to adherence and then the added relation of patient activation in a second model. ResultsThe analyses included 301 participants (mean age 58 years; 53% female; mean chronic conditions of 6.6). Some of the most common chronic conditions included hypertension (60%), arthritis (51%), depression (49%), and hyperlipidemia (43%). The relation of older age to greater medication adherence was significant (P < 0.05) in both models. The addition of PAM was significantly related to better adherence (P < 0.001) and also increased the R squared value from 0.04 to 0.09. This change resulted in a moderate effect size (d = 0.50). ConclusionEvaluating patient activation at baseline may predict those more likely to be medication adherent in patients with low HL.

Cuidándome: A trauma-informed and cultural adaptation of a chronic disease self-management program for Latina immigrant survivors with a history of adverse childhood experiences and depression or anxiety symptoms.

To develop a cultural and trauma-informed mental health self-management program for immigrant Latina survivors of adverse childhood experiences with depression or anxiety symptoms. Guided by Barrera's five-stage process for cultural adaptation, we collaborated with multiple stakeholders including clinical psychologists, community health workers, and Latina immigrant women with a history of adverse childhood experiences and depression or anxiety to transform a chronic disease self-management program to be trauma informed, culturally appropriate, and focus on self-management of depression and anxiety symptoms. Adaptations included translating program materials to Spanish, education on how early life adversity and trauma may impact mental health, virtual delivery, more frequent and shorter sessions, and addition of graphics and written prompts in workbook materials. For the facilitator's manual, culturally relevant vignettes and guidance were added to guide participants through activities and adapt sessions based on participant needs. Barrera's five-stage process was useful for adapting a program to be both trauma and culturally informed for an underserved population disproportionately affected by trauma and limited access to mental health services. The adaptation demonstrated acceptability with Latina immigrant women and the promise of utilizing unlicensed personnel and technology for increasing the reach of mental health support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).