Can health literacy reduce the risk of chronic complications in diabetic patients?

Abstract

Objectives: Health literacy (HL) is a key determinant of health outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus (DM). This study investigates Hl levels in diabetic patients and examines its association with chronic complications.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 207 diabetic patients between April and July 2024. HL was assessed using the Turkey Health Literacy Scale, categorizing patients into four levels: inadequate, problematic, adequate, and excellent. Demographic data, laboratory results, and microvascular/macrovascular complications were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests.

Results: The mean HL score was 29.83, and 32.8 % of participants experiencing chronic microvascular complications. HL levels were significantly associated with education, gender, and occupation but showed no direct correlation with chronic complications or HbA1c levels. However, patients with lower HL had higher rates of microalbuminuria and poor glycemic control.

Conclusions: Although HL was not directly linked to chronic DM complications, inadequate HL may contribute to a higher risk of specific complications, such as diabetic nephropathy. Addressing HL through targeted interventions can enhance diabetes self-management and reduce complication risks.

Practice implications: Routine HL assessments and personalized education strategies-incorporating digital tools and community support-could enhance patient outcomes and alleviate healthcare burdens. Policymakers and researchers should prioritize HL in chronic disease management strategies.