Background Understanding how people manage everyday health challenges is vital for developing self-care policies that are inclusive, equitable and effective. Little is known about how demographic characteristics shape self-care confidence, symptom management strategies and health-seeking behaviours across the UK adult population. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the demographic predictors of self-care engagement among UK adults, focusing on self-care confidence, health information-seeking behaviours, symptom management strategies and perceived barriers to self-care. Methods A cross-sectional online survey collected data from 3,255 UK adults, including a subset of health and care professionals (HCPs) to assess self-care knowledge, confidence, practices and health information accessibility. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify demographic predictors of self-care engagement. Results Regression analyses highlighted marked demographic disparities in self-care engagement. Older adults (65+) were significantly more confident in their self-care knowledge (aOR=3.22) and healthy lifestyle behaviours (aOR=2.96) yet were also more likely to seek health information. Males reported lower self-care confidence than females (aOR=0.79). Black British participants were more confident in self-care knowledge (aOR=1.99), but along with Asian British individuals, were significantly less likely to seek health information (aORs=0.56 and 0.70 respectively). People living with disabilities (aOR=0.69) and long-term conditions (aOR=0.76) reported lower confidence across self-care domains. HCPs consistently reported higher self-care confidence (aOR=1.51, p=0.006) and health behaviour engagement (aOR=1.66). Financial constraints (53%), lack of time (47%) and low self-efficacy (22%) emerged as key barriers to self-care, alongside low use of pharmacists (1.3%) and digital resources (9.7%). Conclusion This study highlights demographic disparities in self-care confidence, information-seeking behaviours and barriers to engagement, urging the need for tailored self-care interventions. Future research should explore interventions to improve health literacy, enhance pharmacist-led self-care support and promote equitable access to digital health resources are essential for optimizing self-care engagement across diverse population groups.
Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.
Funding StatementYes
Author DeclarationsI confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.
Yes
The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:
The study was reviewed and given ethical approval by Imperial College Research Ethics Committee (ICREC #6979141). Participants consented to take part in the survey.
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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.
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Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files.
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