Health Behavior Protection Motivation and eHealth Literacy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify distinct latent profiles (categories) of health behavior protection motivation among patients with type 2 diabetes using latent profile analysis. Subsequently, we compared e-health literacy levels across these patient categories and analyzed factors influencing protection motivation. The findings are intended to provide a scientific basis for precise diabetes management. Methods: From January to March 2025, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 253 patients, and data were collected using relevant scales such as the health-related behavior protection motivation assessment. LPA was performed using Mplus 8.3 to identify motivational profiles. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine influencing factors. Results: A total of 253 valid questionnaires were collected. Two latent profiles of health-related behavioral protection motivation were identified: the “high perceived cost–incentive-dependent group” (n = 91, 35.97%) and the “high sensitivity–high efficacy group” (n = 162, 64.03%). The total eHealth literacy score of the “high perceived cost–incentive-dependent group” was 100.35 ± 17.89, which was significantly lower than that of the “high sensitivity–high efficacy group” (110.76 ± 13.78), with a statistically significant difference (t = −5.165, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients who monitored their blood glucose more than three times per week were 2.95 times more likely to have a higher level of protective motivation compared to those who did so three times or fewer (95% CI: 1.679–5.197, P < 0.001). Conclusion: There is population heterogeneity in health-related behavioral protection motivation among patients with type 2 diabetes. Frequency of blood glucose monitoring per week was identified as influencing factors of motivational profile membership. Differences in eHealth literacy levels were also observed between the two groups. Targeted interventions should be provided based on population characteristics to enhance motivation, improve electronic health literacy, and behavioral compliance.