The Relationship Between Health Literacy and Self-Care Behaviors in Diabetic Type 2 Elderly People

Background and Objective: One of the most important goals of diabetes control is to empower patients to perform self-care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy and selfcare behaviors in type 2 diabetic in elderly. Materials andMethods: All diabetic elderly referring to health centers of the city of Fariman in 2019 were enrolled in the study. The interviewer referred to elderly ’s home and if they were satisfied, the questionnaire completed. Data were collected by demographic questionnaires, health literacy questionnaire and selfcare questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests regression analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and oneway ANOVA, Chisquare test were used. Result: Mean age was 67.7 years and mean FBS was 122.8. Over 60% were female, 80% had primary and lower education, 81% had a spouse, and 26% had no job.).  The mean and standard deviation of health literacy score was 76.4 ±7.5 and selfcare was 63.00±7.4. Health literacy had significantly correlation with gender (p 0.000) and FBS (p 0.000). Selfcare had significantly correlation with gender (p 0.000). Health literacy was significantly correlated with selfcare behaviors (p = 0.00, r = -0.35) and HbA1C (p 0.001, r = -0.34). Health literacy was significantly correlated with diet (p = 0.00, r = 0.25) and medication use ((p = 0.00, r = 0.43) and foot care (p = 0.004, r = 0.21). Conclusion:  According to the findings, Elderly women and people with lower education have lower health literacy. As a result, in the plans taken to promote health literacy more attention should be paid to these people.