Relationship between the Health Literacy and Intention to Conduct Diabetes Testing in At-risk Individuals using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Health literacy is considered an important determinant of society's health, and high health literacy increases opportunities for empowerment in health-related decision-making. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs to conduct a diabetes test in at-risk individuals in Kurdistan province (Ghorveh City), Iran.

The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive research conducted in 2024. A total of 282 at-risk individuals eligible for inclusion in the study were selected to participate in the survey using a multi-stage random sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, a researcher-made questionnaire related to TPB constructs, and a health literacy questionnaire completed through an interview. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (version 23) software, descriptive tests (mean and standard deviation), and analytical tests (chi-square, Pearson correlation, and multiple regressions).

The mean and standard deviation related to the age of the participants was equal to 45.88±9.24. There was a relationship between gender, occupation, age, years of education, health literacy, monthly income, insurance coverage, and the ability to pay for testing to conduct a diabetes test (P≤0.05). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the constructs of the TPB, health literacy, and the intention to undergo diabetes testing. The demographic variables, health literacy, and TPB constructs accounted for 74% of the variance in the intention to perform diabetes testing.

The demographic factors, risk factors, health literacy, and the TPB constructs predict the intention to conduct a diabetes test in at-risk individuals. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay attention to the mentioned variables in the design of educational interventions.