The association between diabetes numeracy and diabetes self-management among Saudi adults with insulin-treated diabetes

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the association between diabetes numeracy and diabetes self-management among Saudi adults with insulin-treated diabetes. Methods: From August 2018 to January 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 diabetes centers in Riyadh, Buraydah, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Systematic random sampling was used to include 290 Saudi adults with insulin-treated diabetes. The levels of diabetes numeracy and diabetes self-management were measured by using the Diabetes Numeracy Test tool (DNT-15) and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire tool (DSMQ). Results: The final analysis included 279 completed surveys. The mean total score of DSMQ was 6.47. The total DSMQ score was higher among patients who had a lower level of education ( p =0.02), and patients who had a higher level of diabetes knowledge ( p =0.01). The mean total score of DNT-15 was 41.3%. Patients who had lower diabetes numeracy scores tended to be younger, married, have fewer years of education, have a lower monthly income( p <0.001), use insulin only, and have type 1 diabetes. Patients who achieved a total score of 82%, and higher in DNT-15 have also achieved the highest score in DSMQ ( p =0.17). A linear regression analysis adjusted for level of education, diabetes knowledge, and other variables found a modest association between low diabetes numeracy and low diabetes self-management ( p =0.08). Conclusion: Lower level of diabetes numeracy was associated with lower level of diabetes self-management.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Diabetes Self-Management in Saudi Arabia

“…Furthermore, lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can lead to a reduction in hemoglobin A1C of up to 2% [ 51 , 52 ]. The dietary control scores reported in this study were the highest reported in KSA and higher than post-COVID-19 scores in Turkey [ 16 , 17 , 43 , 45 , 46 ]. The only exception was the dietary scores reported in healthcare providers; however, this population was different than our study and it is expected that healthcare professionals dealing with patients with diabetes would have better dietary control, due to more knowledge about the dietary recommendations and to access to healthier food choices [ 44 ].…”

“…In the current study, participants reported high glucose management scores. Two studies in similar patient populations to this study had slightly higher scores in this domain and one had lower scores, but it appears as the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to significant changes in glycemic management [ 16 , 45 , 46 ]. This was directly expressed by the study participants in their answers to the three COVID-19 questions.…”

“…When compared to DSMQ results prior to COVID-19 as well as the results in the Turkish population, patients in this study generally had better DSMQ sum scale scores [ 10 , 16 , 17 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Previous studies suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on diabetes self-management in the KSA population.…”

“…Furthermore, the healthcare use scores were by far the most impressive scores reported in both KSA and Turkey post-pandemic [ 10 , 16 , 17 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Improved healthcare utilization is an essential component of diabetes care in general, and a crucial component of the Saudi Vision 2030 [ 53 ].…”

Levels and Correlates of Numeracy Skills in Lebanese Adults with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…It is important to note that participants who intended to make lifestyle modifications had higher numeracy skills. The desire for self-management has been previously demonstrated to be positively correlated with DNT-15 [ 80 ]. Given the chronicity of diabetes, it is fundamental for individuals to be motivated to tackle the challenging aspects of the disease.…”