Educational diagnosis of self‐management behaviours in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia based on the PRECEDE model: Qualitative study

Aims and objectives To identify the key factors of adopting self‐care behaviours in the treatment of diabetes mellitus II, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia when the three conditions appear simultaneously. Background Diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia are chronic health problems which often appear together. The correct monitoring of these pathologies when they concur simultaneously requires specific health management behaviours, to which a significant part of the population is unable of adhering, despite recommendations from professional healthcare workers. Design A qualitative study using focus groups techniques was carried out. The elements related to the content were drafted following the recommendations of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ checklist). Methods Patients with simultaneous diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, as well as nursing professionals and family doctors who have treated patients at primary care centres, were the key sources of information. The methodology used to analyse the information was content analysis. Results There were factors which can positively or negatively determine the adoption of the self‐management recommendations that healthcare professionals make to patients who simultaneously have diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia. These factors were not only associated with the patient, but also with the health carers themselves and the healthcare system and policies in force. Conclusions When health professionals provide recommendations for self‐care to people diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia simultaneously, they should bear in mind not only the determinants of behaviour associated with the patient, but also those that are related to the health professionals themselves and with the healthcare system. The PRECEDE model could be a good tool to identify and design health education programs. Relevance to clinical practice The knowledge of the determinants of health behaviour of patients with chronic diseases could improve adherence patients to health recommendations, avoid associated complications and increase their quality of life.