462-P: Factors Associated with Health Literacy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in China

Abstract

Background: Health literacy is vital for self-care activities and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes. However, no study has been conducted to determine health literacy using Health Literacy Scale in patients with type 2 diabetes in China. Therefore, this study aims to identify factors associated with health literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 310 patients with type 2 diabetes in the department of endocrinology of four hospitals in China. Health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Scale. A series of structured questionnaires were used to measure sociodemographic and clinical variables, social support, diabetes knowledge. EpiData 3.1 was used to establish the database. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to examine factors associated with health literacy using SPSS 25.0. Results: The patients’ mean (SD) score of health literacy was 2.82 (0.28) on a range from 1.71 to 3.50. In univariate analysis, health literacy was associated with age, educational level, marital status, complications, income, health education, social support, diabetes knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that health literacy was positively associated with educational level (β=0.32, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.38), diabetes knowledge (β=0.41, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.62). Similarly, patients who hadn’t received health education (β=-0.14, 95% CI: -0.22, -0.06), divorced or widowed (β=-0.18, 95% CI: -0.30, -0.05) had lower health literacy level. 54.40% of the variability in health literacy can be predicted by educational level, diabetes knowledge, health education, and marital status. Conclusions: Health professionals should pay attention to the improvement of diabetes knowledge and health education among patients with type 2 diabetes and take corresponding measures. Patients divorced or widowed or with low educational level may need special attention to improve their health literacy level. Disclosure X. Zhao: None.