Health literacy and quality of care of patients with diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Background: Limited health literacy (HL) may lead to poor health outcomes and inappropriate healthcare use, particularly in patients with chronic diseases. We aimed to assess the association between functional HL (FHL) and quality of care, as measured by process- and outcome-of-care indicators, in patients with diabetes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2013 CoDiab-VD cohort follow-up, which included non-institutionalised adults with diabetes from canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Using self-administered questionnaires, we collected patients' characteristics, processes [annual HbA1C check, lipid profile, urine test, foot examination, influenza vaccination, eye examination (24 months), physical activity and diet recommendations] and outcomes of care (HbA1C knowledge, HbA1C value, SF-12, ADDQoL, PACIC, self-efficacy). A single validated screening question assessed FHL. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses were performed.

Results: Of 381 patients 52.5% (95%CI: 47.5%-57.5%), 40.7% (95%CI: 35.7%-45.6%) and 6.8% (95%CI: 4.3%-9.4%) reported high, medium and poor FHL, respectively. Significant associations were found for two out of seven outcomes of care; lower self-efficacy scores associated with medium and poor FHL (adjusted: β -0.6, 95%CI -0.9 to -0.2 and β -1.8, 95%CI -2.5 to -1.2, respectively), lower SF-12 mental scores associated with poor FHL (adjusted: β -8.4, 95%CI -12.5 to -4.2).

Conclusions: This study found few outcomes of care associated with FHL. Further exploration of the impact of limited HL on quality of care indicators will help tailor initiatives - both on patients' and providers' side - to improve diabetes care.

Keywords: Diabetes; Health literacy; Quality of care.