Examination of the Health Literacy Level and Attitudes Toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practices Among Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Descriptive and Correlational Study.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the health literacy levels and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices among patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) as well as to explore the relationship between these variables.

Methods: This descriptive and correlational study involved 150 patients diagnosed with DFUs who were receiving treatment at the endocrinology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the health literacy scale (HLS), and the complementary, alternative, and conventional medicine attitude scale (CACMAS).

Results: The mean age of participants was 58.7 ± 9.6 years, with 58.7% being male. Approximately 11.5% had been living with diabetes for approximately 10 years, 88.7% had heard of CAM methods, and 40% had tried these methods for their feet. Among those who tried CAM methods, 66.7% reported them as ineffective. Significant differences in both HLS and CACMAS scores were found based on age, sex, education level, income, place of residence, duration of diabetes diagnosis, previous nonmedical treatments for the foot, and the perceived benefits or side effects of these treatments (P < .05). Higher health literacy levels were associated with a lower tendency to use CAM.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant variations in HLS and CACMAS scores among DFU patients based on specific demographic factors. As health literacy levels increased, the propensity to use CAM decreased. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance patients' access to reliable and current information about CAM practices. Communication with patients should be open and empathetic, addressing their concerns and preferences.