EXAMINING THE RELATION OF HEALTH LITERACY WITH OUTCOMES OF DIABETES AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS IN SAQEZ, WESTERN IRAN, 2011

Diabetes is the most prevalent metabolic disorder. This disorder can affect on different organs of body، and as a result، it can affect the quantity and quality of life. Not having enough knowledge on their own health، one is not able to retain and promote his/her own health. The aim of this study is to determine health literacy among diabetes type 2 patients in Imam Khomeini Hospital، Saqez، Iran.

The study is a cross-sectional one in which diabetes type 2 patients were participated. Data collection were done by using TOFHLA، and demographic questionnaires. Data analyses was done by using independent t-test and analysis of variance.

Totally، 1563 diabetes type 2 patients participated in the study. Mean score of health literacy was 27. 19. A significant relation exist between health literacy with age، sex and education levels. (P<0. 05). The results of the study didn''t reveal any significant relation between health literacy and nephropathy and retinopathy.

It is concluded that the level of health literacy is very low، therefore it is crucial to promote health literacy of diabetes type 2 patients.