Assessing How Health Literacy Shapes Self-Care Activities Among Patients with Diabetes

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Assessing How Health Literacy Shapes Self-Care Activities Among Patients with Diabetes

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide and poses serious health, social, and economic challenges (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Effective management of diabetes requires not only medical treatment but also active participation of patients in daily self-care behaviours such as healthy eating, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, medication adherence, and foot care (American Diabetes Association [ADA], 2022).

In recent years, health literacy has emerged as a critical factor in promoting positive health outcomes. Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to obtain, understand, evaluate, and use health information to make appropriate health decisions (Nutbeam, 2008). For diabetic patients, adequate health literacy is essential for understanding their condition, interpreting medical instructions, and practicing effective self-care behaviours.

Studies show that patients with low health literacy often experience difficulty managing chronic diseases, including diabetes, leading to poor glycemic control, increased complications, and higher hospitalization rates (Berkman et al., 2011). Conversely, individuals with higher health literacy are more likely to engage in recommended self-care practices and maintain better control of their condition (Schillinger et al., 2002).

In the Nigerian and broader African context, many diabetic patients face challenges such as limited access to health information, low educational levels, and cultural beliefs that affect disease management. These factors make health literacy a crucial element in empowering patients to take responsibility for their health (Akinwale & Ojo, 2020). Therefore, understanding the role of health literacy in promoting self-care behaviours among diabetic patients is essential for improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of diabetes-related complications.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite advances in medical treatment, many diabetic patients continue to experience poor disease control and preventable complications. One major reason is inadequate engagement in self-care behaviours such as regular blood glucose monitoring, dietary regulation, physical exercise, and medication adherence (ADA, 2022). In many cases, patients do not fully understand their condition or the instructions provided by healthcare professionals due to low health literacy levels (Berkman et al., 2011).

In developing countries like Nigeria, health systems often focus more on clinical treatment than on patient education and empowerment. As a result, many diabetic patients lack the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their illness effectively. This gap contributes to high rates of complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease (WHO, 2023).

The problem this study seeks to address is the limited understanding of how health literacy influences self-care behaviours among diabetic patients. Without clear evidence, interventions may fail to target the real drivers of poor self-management.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the role of health literacy in promoting self-care behaviours among diabetic patients.

The specific objectives are to:

Assess the level of health literacy among diabetic patients.

Examine the self-care behaviours practiced by diabetic patients.

Determine the relationship between health literacy and self-care behaviours.

Identify challenges faced by diabetic patients in understanding and using health information.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the level of health literacy among diabetic patients?

What types of self-care behaviours do diabetic patients practice?

Is there a relationship between health literacy and self-care behaviours among diabetic patients?

What challenges affect patients’ understanding and use of health information?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to healthcare providers, diabetic patients, policymakers, and researchers. It will help health professionals understand the importance of patient education in disease management. The findings can guide the design of effective health education programs and interventions aimed at improving self-care and reducing complications among diabetic patients (Nutbeam, 2008).

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on diabetic patients and examines how their level of health literacy influences their self-care behaviours such as diet control, medication use, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Health Literacy: The ability to obtain, understand, and use health information to make informed health decisions.

Self-Care Behaviours: Daily activities undertaken by patients to manage diabetes, including diet, exercise, and medication adherence.

Diabetic Patients: Individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

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