Health literacy and diabetes information preferences among Chinese immigrants: An Australian cross‐sectional study

Abstract

AimExplore Australian‐Chinese immigrants' health literacy and preferences and engagement with translated diabetes self‐management patient education materials.DesignThe cross‐sectional survey was conducted with Australian‐Chinese immigrants at risk or with type 2 diabetes recruited via health services, and diabetes and community organisations.MethodsThe survey had three parts: (1) diabetes screening; (2) sociodemographic information, clinical characteristics and preferences for translated materials; and (3) Functional, Communicative and Critical Health Literacy (FCCHL) Scale.ResultsOf 381 participants, 54.3% reported diabetes (n = 207), the remainder pre‐diabetes or at risk (45.7%, n = 174); 34.1% male; mean age 64.1 years. Average total health literacy (FCCHL) scores were 35.3/56 (SD = 8.7). Participants with greater English proficiency reported higher health literacy (p < 0.001). This pattern also existed for functional (p < 0.001), communicative (p = 0.007) and critical (p = 0.041) health literacy subdomains. Health literacy scores did not differ significantly based on years of residence in Australia (all p > 0.05). Although the majority of participants (75.6%, N = 288) were willing to receive translated diabetes information, only a small proportion (19.7%, N = 75) reporting receiving such materials.ConclusionThere is a clear need for co‐designed diabetes patient education materials that meet the needs and adequately reach Australian‐Chinese immigrants. In particular, these materials must support people with limited English‐language proficiency.Implications for Nursing PracticeThis study highlights important considerations for nurses seeking to improve diabetes care for Chinese immigrants when incorporating patient education materials as part of their nursing education.