ArticleBMJ open2026
What are the demographic predictors and barriers to self-care engagement in the UK? a cross-sectional survey study.
Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundUnderstanding 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. While the companion paper from the same survey examined healthcare professionals' attitudes toward self-care and the professional-public interface, the demographic predictors and personal barriers shaping self-care engagement among the general UK public remain poorly understood.
objectiveTo examine the demographic predictors of self-care engagement among UK adults, focusing on self-care confidence, health information-seeking behaviour, symptom management strategies and perceived barriers to self-care.
designCross-sectional online survey conducted from June to September 2024.
settingCommunity-dwelling adults across the UK, recruited via online platforms and professional networks.
participants3,255 UK adults, including a subset of health and care professionals (HCPs).
interventionsNone (observational study). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported self-care confidence, health information-seeking behaviours, symptom management strategies and barriers to self-care.
resultsRegression analyses highlighted marked demographic disparities in self-care engagement. Older adults (65+) were significantly more confident in their self-care knowledge (aOR=3.22, 95% CI 2.06 to 5.03, p<0.001) and healthy lifestyle behaviours (aOR=2.96) and were also more likely to seek health information. Males reported lower self-care confidence than females (aOR=0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.91, p=0.002). Black British participants were more confident in self-care knowledge (aOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.84, p<0.001), 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%).
conclusionThis 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 focus on targeted interventions to improve health literacy, enhance pharmacist-led self-care support and promote equitable access to digital health resources, particularly for underserved and demographically diverse population groups.
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