This qualitative interview study explored the self-care decision-making processes of 27 adults with multiple cardiometabolic conditions in Zhejiang Province, China. Four self-care decision-making patterns emerged: drawing on past experiences for quick responses, balancing health against competing life priorities, making decisions reactively only when compelled by acute crises or authoritative warnings, and leveraging multiple resources proactively to address potential health issues.
Why It Matters: Effective self-care behaviors involving lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity can improve the quality of life among patients with multiple cardiometabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
Naturalistic Decision-Making Patterns in Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity Self-Care: A Qualitative Study
Corresponding Author: Jing Shao, PhD, et al
School of Nursing and Institute of Nursing Research, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Department of Nursing, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang, University, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China Temporary link to view PDF (this link will expire before publication)
Permanent and shareable link (accessible beginning 5pm ET, Monday, July 27, 2026)