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.
Materials & Methods: 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.
Result: 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.
Conclusion: 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