Implementation and Evaluation of a Low Health Literacy and Culturally Sensitive Diabetes Education Program
Publication/Presentation Date
6-25-2013
Abstract
Low health literacy is more prevalent in persons with limited education, members of ethnic minorities, and those who speak English as a second language, and is associated with multiple adverse diabetes-related health outcomes. This study examined the effectiveness of a low health literacy and culturally sensitive diabetes education program for economically and socially disadvantaged adult patients with type 2 diabetes. A pre-post prospective study design was used to examine outcomes over 12 months. Outcome measures included diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care, measured using reliable and valid survey tools, and A1C. Over this period of time 277 patients were enrolled in the program, with 106 participants completing survey data. At the completion of the program patients had significant improvements in diabetes knowledge (p < .001), self-efficacy (p < .001), and three domains of self-care including diet (p < .001), foot care (p < .001), and exercise (p < .001). There were no significant improvements in the frequency of blood glucose testing (p = .345). Additionally, A1C values significantly improved 3 months after completing the program (p = .007). In conclusion, a diabetes education program designed to be culturally sensitive and meet the needs of individuals with low health literacy improves short-term outcomes. (© 2013 National Association for Healthcare Quality.)
Volume
36
Issue
6
First Page
16
Last Page
23
ISSN
1945-1474
Published In/Presented At
Swavely, D., Vorderstrasse, A., Maldonado, E., Eid, S., & Etchason, J. (2013). Implementation and Evaluation of a Low Health Literacy and Culturally Sensitive Diabetes Education Program. Journal For Healthcare Quality: Official Publication Of The National Association For Healthcare Quality, 36(6), 16-23. doi: 10.1111/jhq.12021
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Health Services Research | Medical Education | Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health
PubMedID
23799918
LVHN link
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mnh&AN=23799918&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Department(s)
Department of Community Health and Health Studies, LVHN Accountable Care Organization LLC, Patient Care Services / Nursing
Document Type
Article