Health Literacy in Diabetes management: A priority in health care

Abstract

Abstract Background Glycemic control and self-management of diabetes are influenced by a range of factors, including health literacy - the ability to access, understand, appraise, and use health information. This study explored associations between domains of health literacy (HL), glycemic control and perceived general health in people with diabetes. Methodology Cross-sectional study, with 453 people with diabetes,attending the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP). We collected information on HL, demographics, glycemic control and self-perception of health. HL was assessed using the Health Literacy Questionnaire. Descriptive and correlational analysis were performed. Results 85.4% consider Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers but only 54.1% have the Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers and 27.8% feel the Ability to find good health information,66.5% consider Having sufficient information to manage my health but only 38.7% are Understanding health information well enough to know what to do and 28.5% refer the Ability to find good health information. Higher HL scores were associated with better glycemic control and more positive perception of general health(GH) across the following domains: Having sufficient information to manage my health, Appraisal of health information, Ability to find good health information, Actively managing my health and social support for health. The domains Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers and Navigating the healthcare system were also associated with more positive perception of GH. Associations achieved either p < 0.001 or p < 0.05. Considering HL levels, a statistically significant negative association was found with the levels of HbA1c and positive association with perceived general health, even for functional HL. Conclusions The results emphasize the importance of improving the level of HL of people with diabetes in order to improve glycemic control and the perceive General Health Key messages Health literacy is critical for diabetes self-management. People with diabetes need to understand and use health information to promote well-being and diabetes control.