Impact of Perceived Health Competence and Current Living Situation on the Quality of Life of Emerging Adults with Chronic Health Conditions

Abstract

As emerging adults with chronic health conditions navigate the process of assuming greater responsibility regarding their own healthcare during this transitional period of life, they may encounter increased stress, which is known to exacerbate the symptoms and worsen the prognosis of their conditions. The results of the current study add to emerging evidence in the literature that health competence is positively associated with quality of life, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. Higher quality of life is associated with better health outcomes, highlighting the importance of interventions aimed to promote quality of life. Future research should focus on the development of targeted interventions for emerging adults with chronic health conditions that involve both parents and healthcare providers and promote health competence with the goal of increasing independent self-management, enhancing coping skills, helping with adjustments to living with chronic health conditions in adulthood, and improving overall quality of life.