The Relationship between Health Literacy of Elderly Diabetics and Adherence to Treatment, Babol, Iran, 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Non-adherence to treatment in elderly diabetics is associated with several problems. Existing studies have been less addressed the dimensions of treatment adherence in this population. This study examines the relationship between health literacy of elderly diabetics and adherence to treatment.Methods: : This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 375 randomly selected elderly members of Babol Diabetes Association. Data collection instruments included demographic sheet, abbreviated mental test score, and questionnaires for health literacy of Iranian adults and treatment adherence. The data were analyzed by Chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression test using version 22 of SPSS software.Results: A significant correlation was found between health literacy and gender (P=0.003). The level of health literacy was higher among the highly educated male elderly (P<0.001) as well as among employees and retirees (P=0.003). The people over the age of 70 had lower health literacy (P=0.004). There was no significant relationship between health literacy and marital status (P=0.14) as well as health literacy and duration of illness (P=0.19). The treatment adherence was above-average in 99.2% of the elderly. There was a significant relationship between health literacy and adherence to treatment (P<0.001, r=0.21). The regression analysis also showed that the rate of adherence to treatment increased with improvement in health literacy.(P <0.001, β=0.08). Conclusion:Our results showed that N-acetyl-cysteine could reduce the disruptive effects of the freezing-thawing process.

Factors associated with treatment adherence to treatment among in patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran: A cross-sectional study

“…Goli Roshan et al (7) in Iran showed a significant relationship between health literacy and adherence to treatment.…”

“…According to regression analysis, the higher the health literacy, the higher the rate of treatment adherence (7). Mehrtak et al (33) in Iran reported the effect of health literacy on adherence to medication, nutrition, and physical activity of patients with type 2 diabetes.…”

“…Many patients with chronic diseases disregard the recommended medication regimen due to prolonged course of treatment and dissatisfaction with definitive treatment ( 6 ). Uncontrolled diabetes is frequently associated with physical and psychological complications, such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, blindness, kidney failure, amputation, depression, and poor quality of life ( 7 ). Many therapists have been interested in how well patients with diabetes adhere to their treatment plans that is one of the most important challenges in controlling diabetes ( 8 ).…”

“…According to World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes self-management training facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care; health literacy affects patients' knowledge and awareness of their disease ( 7 ). Health literacy is an individual's capacity to acquire, process, and comprehend the basic information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions, including a set of reading, listening, analysis, decision-making skills in health situations ( 18 ).…”

Determinants of Poor Treatment Adherence among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Limited Health Literacy: A Scoping Review

“…Many unpleasant health-related consequences occur because of poor health literacy. Limited health literacy has been associated with poor health outcomes, detrimental health behaviors, lower patient satisfaction, and in some cases, higher mortality [ 13 ]. Individuals with limited health literacy have trouble understanding the oral and written information provided by physicians, nurses, and insurers, as well as medication instructions, so they cannot achieve the health services they need in healthcare systems.…”