The relationship between health literacy and self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem which is a key goal in managing diabetes is to enable patients to perform self-care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy and self-care behaviors in type 2 diabetic patient in the year 1392. This cross-sectional study was done on 200 patients referred to the Diabetes Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 1392. Sampling was simple and based on inclusion criteria. Data were collected using three questionnaires: demographic characteristics, health literacy, diabetes self-care behaviors and using SPSS version 16. Data analyzed by using descriptive statistics, frequency tables, statistical tests (t test, ANOVA) and SPSS version 16. Average health literacy score was 71.0 9±14.01, 24% of participants have inadequate, 34% borderline and 42% had adequate health literacy. Average score for health literacy and self-care was 71.09±14.01 and 70.96±13.17. There was no significant association between health literacy and self-care behavior (r= 0.027 and p= 0.705). Health literacy only significantly associated with dimensions diet (p= 0.0003) and adherence to medication regimen (p= 0.004). Since the study results showed no significant relationship between health literacy and self-care, teaching of this two concepts and inclusion in the school resources to improve public health proposed.