Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess diabetes health literacy among patients with T2DM and determine its association with glycemic control at the Medical Outpatient Department of HIT Hospital, Taxila
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted.
Place and duration of study: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medical Outpatient Department of H.I.T Hospital, Taxila, between April 2024 and August 2024, to assess diabetes-related health literacy among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2024 using convenience sampling. A total of 377 patients were recruited, with sample size calculated via OpenEpi at 95% confidence and 5% margin of error. Data were collected using a validated 15-item Diabetes Health Literacy Questionnaire rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Associations between health literacy and glycemic control were evaluated with the Chi-square test (p < 0.05 considered significant).
Results: Participants included 167 males (44.3%) and 210 females (55.7%), aged 20–70 years (mean ± SD: 50.6 ± 10.1). Family history of diabetes was reported by 80.4% of participants. High diabetes health literacy was observed in 1.1%, moderate in 38.2%, and low in 60.7%. Good glycemic control was achieved by 51.5% of participants. Diabetes health literacy was strongly associated with glycemic control (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Higher diabetes health literacy is significantly associated with improved glycemic control. Implementing structured patient education and literacy-enhancing interventions is essential to reduce complications and optimize outcomes in T2DM management.
Keywords: Diabetes Health Literacy, Glycemic Control, HbA1c, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
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