Predictors of Self-Care Behaviours Among Patients With Chronic Disease: A Multicountry Survey.

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess self-care behaviours and their predictors among patients with chronic diseases in three Middle Eastern countries.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted.

Methods: The study was conducted in hospitals across Oman, Jordan and Egypt. A convenience sample of 1598 adults with chronic diseases was recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics, the Arabic version of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale. Multiple regression models identified significant predictors of self-care behaviours.

Results: The sample had a mean age of 48.1 years (SD = 15.8), with 56.2% male. Diabetes mellitus (23.7%) was the most common condition, followed by cerebrovascular accidents (16.9%) and cardiovascular diseases (16.3%). Self-care behaviours were suboptimal, with mean scores below 70% across all subscales. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor, followed by educational level, gender and regular healthcare visits. Participants from Jordan and Oman reported higher self-care engagement than those from Egypt.

Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance self-efficacy, improve health literacy and address healthcare disparities. Culturally tailored education programmes and structured self-management support are essential to promote better self-care practices among patients with chronic diseases.