Determinants of Self-Management Behavior in Gout: A Scoping Review

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify modifiable determinants of self-management behavior in patients with gout.MethodsFour databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched using terms related to gout, self-management, and determinants of behavior as described in the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Two reviewers independently selected relevant studies via screening of title/abstract and full text. Thematic synthesis was performed for qualitative data; quantitative data were summarized using cross-tabulation displaying the investigated associations of determinants with self-management behavior. The TDF facilitated identification and grouping of determinants.ResultsFrom 2,087 unique articles found, 56 studies were included in this review, of which there were 27 qualitative and 29 quantitative studies. Eight themes were identified: knowledge and skills for self-management, acceptance of disease, beliefs about necessity of self-management to improve gout-related health, resistance and reluctance for medication adherence and dietary alteration/changes, negative emotions influencing self-management, social support and interactions, environmental context, and self-regulation of behavior. Quantitative determinants associated with self-management behavior, predominantly medication adherence, were mapped to 12 of the 14 domains of the TDF. No determinants regarding skills and goals have been identified in quantitative research.ConclusionIntervention targets for self-management behavior in patients with gout mainly included determinants related to knowledge, implicit and explicit beliefs and attitudes, the environmental context and resources, and (social) support and reinforcement.