Personalized Medicine for Chronic Diseases Through the Integration of Health Determinants Control in Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background

Chronic disease significantly contributes to global healthcare demands and costs. Despite these chronic illnesses, good health is achievable through public health strategies that enhance control over health determinants. This systematic review investigates how control over health determinants affects the health status of individuals with chronic diseases.

Objective

To assess the impact of limited control over health determinants on health status in people with chronic diseases and identify potential clinical applications.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 and COSMOS-E guidelines. Searches across five databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES) between February and April 2023 identified cohort studies published in the last 10 years. Studies involving individuals aged 16 years and older with at least one chronic disease were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess study quality.

Results

Four cohort studies (n = 576) were included, involving participants with chronic diseases such as COPD, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. The methodological quality averaged 6/9. Significant correlations were observed between control over four health determinant domains-social, behavioral, biological, and healthcare system-and declining health outcomes. Common biases included detection and comparability bias. Discussion: The studies had acceptable methodological quality and low external bias risks. However, the meta-analysis was compromised due to the heterogeneity observed in the exposure variables of the included articles. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating control over health determinants into patient care, with healthcare professionals positioned to enhance patient control and improve outcomes.

Conclusions

Lack of control over health determinants, particularly in social and behavioral domains, correlates with poorer health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions. Assessing and improve healthcare control could identify high-risk patients and improve their quality of life.