The Relationship between Health Literacy and Self-care among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Residing in the City of Bastak

Health literacy is the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and also the health care services required to make informed-care health related decisions. Low health literacy has a negative impact on care and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, although this disease may require lifelong care. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health literacy and self-care in patients in Bastak with type 2 diabetes.
This study was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2015 on 265 patients with type 2 diabetes. Data collection was conducted using the Iranian adult Health Literacy (HELIA) questionnaire and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA).
The results of this study show that 51.7 percent of patients had low levels of health literacy. The average score of self-care one week before study was 53.78±15.67. In the present study, significant relationships were found for health literacy with self-care and two of its domains, including physical activity and diet.
Diabetic patients need more knowledge and a proper attitude to control their disease successfully with appropriate self-care. More attention to the issue of health literacy in health promotion programs is highly recommended.