Risk perception of disease aggravation among older patients with non-communicable diseases: a latent profile analysis

This study aimed to explore potential profiles and influencing factors of risk perception of disease aggravation for older patients with non-communicable diseases. Applying convenience sampling, we recruited 598 participants. Latent profile analysis and multivariate disordered logistic regression analysis were conducted to explore profiles and influencing factors. Four latent profiles were identified: higher risk perception - lower affection experience (Profile 1), moderate risk perception (Profile 2), lower risk perception (Profile 3) and higher risk perception - higher serious outcome (Profile 4). Compared with patients in Profile 2, patients in Profile 1 were male and had longer time since diagnosis; patients in Profile 3 had primary school or lower education level; and patients in Profile 4 had higher age, reimbursement proportion of medical insurance <30 % or 30 % - 50 %, and longer time since diagnosis. Personalized interventions for improving risk perception of disease aggravation can be developed according to the results.