Latent profile analysis of health literacy in elderly patients after PCI

Health literacy is a key determinant of health behaviours and outcomes among elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), particularly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, heterogeneity in health literacy among older patients after PCI remains insufficiently explored. A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling among older patients (≥ 60 years) who had undergone PCI in three tertiary hospitals in Shanghai from May 2024 and December 2025. Data were collected using the Health Literacy Management Scale, Social Support Rating Scale and Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed using Mplus 8.3 to identify distinct health literacy profiles. Univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression were conducted using SPSS 25.0 to examine factors associated with profile membership. A total of 404 valid questionnaires were analysed. Three latent profiles of health literacy were identified: the low literacy–strong intention group, the moderate literacy group and the high literacy–high coping capacity group. Significant differences were observed among the three groups in education level, marital status, living arrangement, average monthly household income, disease duration, self-efficacy and family support ( P < 0.05). Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy, average monthly household income, family support and marital status were significant predictors of profile membership( P < 0.05). Health literacy among older patients after PCI shows significant heterogeneity. Self-efficacy, family support, Economic resources and marital status jointly influence profile membership. Stratified interventions targeting different health literacy profiles may improve cardiac rehabilitation outcomes and long-term prognosis.