Impact of health literacy and self-care behaviors on health-related quality of life in Iranians with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Regarding the importance of health literacy as a key factor in self-care, appropriate understanding of health information by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is fundamental for better management of risk factors, which can also benefit their quality of life. This study aimed to describe the relationship between health literacy (HL), and self-care behaviors with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with T2DM. Methods A cross-sectional survey was done in Iran in 2019. Patients were recruited randomly from health centers by medical records (n = 192, 55.2% male, mean age 58.12 years). The data collection included demographic form, health literacy questionnaire, diabetes self-care behavior questionnaire, and world health organization’s Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Analyses were adjusted for confounders using hierarchical regression analysis. Results HL as predictor variables explained 47.5% of variance in overall HRQL (p-value < 0.001), reading health information was the strongest HL dimension (β = 0.478). Self-care behaviors explained an additional 13.6% of the HRQL variance. In total, 65.5% of the variation in the HRQL is explained by the HL, self-care behavior, and the demographic variables. Conclusions We found that more almost two-third of the HRQL explained by the HL and self-care behaviors. Given the importance of health literacy and self-care behaviors in the quality of life in patients with T2DM, adoption of health-promoting behaviors and increasing health literacy can be beneficial for promoting quality of life among these patients.

Investigating the Factors Affecting the Self-care Behaviors Status of Patients With Type II Diabetes and the Role of Demographic Variables: a Case Study in Iran

“…It has been predicted that around 11.4% of the Iranian adult population has diabetes mellitus, and by 2030, around 9 million Iranians will be at risk of developing diabetes mellitus [15]. Approximately 80% of diabetic patients in developing countries live in deprived and less developed regions [15].…”

“…The prevalence of diabetes in Iran is 3.0, 5.8, 10.8, 14.0% in men and 3.0, 7.0, 14.0, and 19.4% in women aged 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55-64 years, respectively [16]. It has been predicted that around 11.4% of the Iranian adult population has diabetes mellitus, and by 2030, around 9 million Iranians will be at risk of developing diabetes mellitus [15]. Approximately 80% of diabetic patients in developing countries live in deprived and less developed regions [15].…”

“…Limited HL is associated with increased hospitalization rates among patients with diabetes [11]. There is evidence of a close relationship between low health status, poor disease management, poor self-care, and limited HL among diabetic patients [15]. Diabetic patients with adequate HL are more likely to manage their insulin doses [27] and are prone to read and interpret medication labels correctly [28].…”

“…Nevertheless, Seyedoshohadaee et al (2015) found no signi cant correlation between health literacy and self-care behaviors [13]. Several studies suggest that health literacy (HL) plays a signi cant role in adherence to diabetes self-care and outcomes [14,15]. As patients are required to participate in more complicated health care and navigate more complex health systems, their need to be 'health literate' in today's society is more signi cant than ever before [16].…”

Investigating the Factors affecting the Self-care Behaviors Status of Patients with Type II diabetes and the Role of Demographic Variables: A Case Study in Iran

“…Nevertheless, Seyedoshohadaee et al (2015) found no signi cant correlation between health literacy and self-care behaviors [13]. Several studies suggest that health literacy (HL) plays a signi cant role in adherence to diabetes self-care and outcomes [14,15]. As patients are required to participate in more complicated health care and navigate more complex health systems, their need to be 'health literate' in today's society is more signi cant than ever before [16].…”