Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Improving the health self-management ability (HSMA) of older adults is a feasible strategy for addressing population ageing and the high incidence of non-communicable diseases. Identifying psychosocial factors that facilitate better self-management of health is key to developing...

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Main Authors: Jian-Hua Chen, Mei-Fen Chen, Norhasmah Mohd Zain, Chee-Yeong Yap, Azlina Yusuf, Bi-He Ying
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:BMC Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22472-2
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author Jian-Hua Chen
Mei-Fen Chen
Norhasmah Mohd Zain
Chee-Yeong Yap
Azlina Yusuf
Bi-He Ying
author_facet Jian-Hua Chen
Mei-Fen Chen
Norhasmah Mohd Zain
Chee-Yeong Yap
Azlina Yusuf
Bi-He Ying
author_sort Jian-Hua Chen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Improving the health self-management ability (HSMA) of older adults is a feasible strategy for addressing population ageing and the high incidence of non-communicable diseases. Identifying psychosocial factors that facilitate better self-management of health is key to developing effective interventions. This study explored whether self-efficacy mediates the relationship between family function and HSMA and whether this mediation is moderated by personal income. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted with 596 participants (response rate of 97.2%) in the mountainous Lishui region of China by using a multi-stage, stratified, cluster-sampling procedure. The survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the Adult Health Self-Management Skills (Ability) Rating scale, family APGAR scale and General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis with mediation and moderated mediation models. Results The average score for HSMA, family function, and GSE were 149.6 ± 18.1 (out of 190), 8.2 ± 2.2 (out of 10), and 24.0 ± 6.0 (out of 40), respectively, which indicate moderate HSMA and family function levels and low GSE among older adults in Lishui. Significant correlations were observed between family function and GSE (r s  = 0.150, P < 0.001), GSE and HSMA (r s  = 0.336, P < 0.001), and family function and HSMA (r s  = 0.297, P < 0.001). The mediation model explained 21.5% of the variance in HSMA, with significant total (c: B = 0.343, P < 0.001) and indirect effects (ab: B = 0.0505, 95% CI = [0.0227, 0.0830]). The indirect effects (family function → GSE → HSMA) decreased with decreasing income (high income, B = 0.0497; middle income, B = 0.0353; low income, B = 0.0233), while the direct effect (family function → HSMA) increased with decreasing income (high income, B = 0.189; middle income, B = 0.270; low income, B = 0.350). Conclusion HSMA, APGAR score and GSE score were positively related among older adults in the Lishui region, highlighting potential areas for improvement. The results clarify the mediating effect of GSE on the relationship between family function and HSMA along with the moderating role of personal income. Strengthening family function may enhance HSMA, especially in low income older adults, while boosting GSE may benefit those with higher incomes. Future longitudinal studies should confirm these relationships and their causal direction.
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spelling doaj-art-28190da526fb48b989d1a4e2f1dcbc742025-08-20T03:08:09ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-04-0125111510.1186/s12889-025-22472-2Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional studyJian-Hua Chen0Mei-Fen Chen1Norhasmah Mohd Zain2Chee-Yeong Yap3Azlina Yusuf4Bi-He Ying5Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Lishui UniversityThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversitySchool of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health CampusSchool of Distance Education, Universiti Sains MalaysiaSchool of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health CampusDepartment of Nursing, School of Medicine, Lishui UniversityAbstract Background Improving the health self-management ability (HSMA) of older adults is a feasible strategy for addressing population ageing and the high incidence of non-communicable diseases. Identifying psychosocial factors that facilitate better self-management of health is key to developing effective interventions. This study explored whether self-efficacy mediates the relationship between family function and HSMA and whether this mediation is moderated by personal income. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted with 596 participants (response rate of 97.2%) in the mountainous Lishui region of China by using a multi-stage, stratified, cluster-sampling procedure. The survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the Adult Health Self-Management Skills (Ability) Rating scale, family APGAR scale and General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis with mediation and moderated mediation models. Results The average score for HSMA, family function, and GSE were 149.6 ± 18.1 (out of 190), 8.2 ± 2.2 (out of 10), and 24.0 ± 6.0 (out of 40), respectively, which indicate moderate HSMA and family function levels and low GSE among older adults in Lishui. Significant correlations were observed between family function and GSE (r s  = 0.150, P < 0.001), GSE and HSMA (r s  = 0.336, P < 0.001), and family function and HSMA (r s  = 0.297, P < 0.001). The mediation model explained 21.5% of the variance in HSMA, with significant total (c: B = 0.343, P < 0.001) and indirect effects (ab: B = 0.0505, 95% CI = [0.0227, 0.0830]). The indirect effects (family function → GSE → HSMA) decreased with decreasing income (high income, B = 0.0497; middle income, B = 0.0353; low income, B = 0.0233), while the direct effect (family function → HSMA) increased with decreasing income (high income, B = 0.189; middle income, B = 0.270; low income, B = 0.350). Conclusion HSMA, APGAR score and GSE score were positively related among older adults in the Lishui region, highlighting potential areas for improvement. The results clarify the mediating effect of GSE on the relationship between family function and HSMA along with the moderating role of personal income. Strengthening family function may enhance HSMA, especially in low income older adults, while boosting GSE may benefit those with higher incomes. Future longitudinal studies should confirm these relationships and their causal direction.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22472-2CommunityFamily functionFinancial situationGeneral self-efficacyHealth self-management abilityMountainous areas
spellingShingle Jian-Hua Chen
Mei-Fen Chen
Norhasmah Mohd Zain
Chee-Yeong Yap
Azlina Yusuf
Bi-He Ying
Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional study
BMC Public Health
Community
Family function
Financial situation
General self-efficacy
Health self-management ability
Mountainous areas
title Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional study
title_full Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional study
title_fullStr Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional study
title_full_unstemmed Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional study
title_short Family function and health self-management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in China: moderated mediation model in a cross-sectional study
title_sort family function and health self management ability among older adults from mountainous areas in china moderated mediation model in a cross sectional study
topic Community
Family function
Financial situation
General self-efficacy
Health self-management ability
Mountainous areas
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22472-2
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