Relationship between the latent profiles of health information-seeking behaviour and glycated haemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional survey in rural areas of China

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyse the heterogeneity of health information-seeking behaviour (HISB) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rural areas based on latent profiles and to explore the relationship between various behaviours and glycaemic control rates and the factors influencing glycaemic control rates. Methods Between January and July 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to sample T2D patients in the rural Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Participants completed a general information questionnaire and a HISB scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified behaviour categories, and chi 2 tests examined differences in glycaemic control rates across these categories. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse factors influencing glycaemic control. The glycaemic control rate was defined as the proportion of individuals whose HbA1c levels are less than 7.0%, indicating good control, in relation to the total number of individuals assessed. Results A total of 2178 valid questionnaires were received in this study, and respondents were divided into three categories according to the LPA of their HISB: negative (18.3%), occlusive (46.8%) and inefficient (34.9%). The glycaemic control rate of patients with T2D in rural areas was 22.6% (494/2178 cases). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the category of patients' HISB profile, age, course of disease and educational level were the factors influencing the glycaemic control rate (all p<0.05). Conclusion Patients with T2D in rural areas had poor glycaemic control and inadequate HISB. Three latent profile categories were identified that reflect the HISB of this group. We recommend that clinical medical professionals develop personalised health management education based on the various latent profile characteristics of patients to promote HISB and thereby achieve optimal glycaemic control.