Exploring the role of information management in connecting Economic health status and Health outcomes

Abstract

Health information behavior (HIB) of chronic patients is influenced by several inter-related factors such as economic, psychological and social factor. Economic health status (EHS) is emerging as a critical determinant that affects the ability of patients to access and manage health information that in turn impacts general health outcomes (HO). The prolonged nature of chronic diseases impose sustained physical and economic burden. It requires constant self-management and continuous engagement with health information to prevent complications.

This study examined the relationships among health information management (IM) and HO in patients with chronic cardiac disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Aligning the health belief model (HBM) framework, EHS is conceptualized as a perceived barrier that limits an individual’s ability to manage health information. EHS operationalized as monthly income and household family size is hypothesized to have a direct influence on health outcomes as well as an indirect influence on health outcomes through the mediation role of information management. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire from the patients attending five major hospitals of the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed by using Smart PLS software version 4.1.1 to determine the measurement and structural models. The results suggest that economic health status does exert a significant impact on the ability of patients to manage health information effectively. The research highlights the possible importance of reducing economic barriers and enhancing health information management skills as a pathway to better health outcomes.