Literacy and Health Outcomes in Adults with Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): Nancy S. Morris, Charles D. MacLean, Benjamin Littenberg
Primary Institution: University of Vermont
Hypothesis
Adults with diabetes and limited literacy would be less likely to achieve the recommended goals for A1C, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and low density lipoprotein.
Conclusion
Literacy is not associated with glycemic control, blood pressure, lipid levels, or self-reported diabetes complications in older adults with diabetes.
Supporting Evidence
- After adjusting for various factors, no significant association was found between literacy and health outcomes.
- Subjects with inadequate literacy reported more complications, but this difference disappeared after adjustments.
- The study population was predominantly older, educated, and had relatively good glycemic control.
Takeaway
This study found that being able to read well doesn't help older adults with diabetes control their blood sugar or blood pressure better.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study assessing literacy and health outcomes among 1,002 adults with diabetes using the Short-Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults.
Potential Biases
Potential self-selection bias as those who agreed to participate differed significantly from those who did not.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and the sample may not be generalizable due to its homogeneity and self-selection bias.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly white, older adults with a mean age of almost 65 years, most had health insurance and were diagnosed with diabetes on average 7 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, -0.01 to +0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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