Diabetes Knowledge and Numeracy among Under- or Uninsured Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

For people with diabetes, low literacy and low numeracy are risk factors for poor diabetes outcomes. Diabetes Numeracy is a predictor of diet management and A1C. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between diabetes knowledge and numeracy in Latinos with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Participants (n=139) from 3 clinics for un- and underinsured people completed the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy for Diabetes (SKILLD, 11 open-ended items, possible scores = 0-11), Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ; 24 true-false items, possible scores = 0-24), and a short version of the Diabetes Numeracy Test (DNT, 5 open-ended items, possible scores = 0-5); higher scores indicated better knowledge or numeracy. We calculated descriptive and correlational statistics and estimated hierarchical regression models of diabetes numeracy with these sets of predicators: (1) demographic (age, gender, married, education, and acculturation); (2) SKILLD, DKQ, and DNT scores. Participants were predominately middle-aged (mean 48.3 ± 9.324 years), female (52.5%), married (65.5%), with an average of 9.13 years of education ± 4.62. Mean SKILLD score = 6.45 ± 1.65 (59% correct); DKQ score = 16.63 ± 2.81 (69%); and DNT score = 1.91 ±1.31 (38%). Years of education, SKILLD, and DKQ score were positively correlated to DNT scores. However, after controlling for demographic characteristics, only education and DKQ score were significant predictors of DNT scores in the hierarchical regression model. People with higher education level and DKQ score reported higher DNT. The entire regression model accounted for 25.7% of variance in DNT (F = 6.42, p < .001). Participants in this study had low diabetes knowledge and very low numeracy. Focusing on numeracy (e.g., using food labels, calculating portion size, and interpreting medication labels), especially for the least educated, may provide the most benefit in behavior and outcomes. Future studies should examine numeracy as it relates to self-management behaviors and outcomes. Disclosure Y. Huang: None. A.A. Garcia: None. J.A. Zuniga: None.