The Relationship Between Health Literacy Level and Neuropathic Pain Level in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy

Background This study aimed to analyze the current situation of health literacy (HL), neuropathic pain, and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life (NePIQoL) questionnaire in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN). Methodology This study was conducted among 60 patients with diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy on electroneuromyography (ENMG) and 47 patients without diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy on ENMG. The Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Scale (EHLS-TR) for HL levels, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) for pain level, and NePIQoL for health-related quality of life were used in participants. Results A total of 107 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included in the study with a mean age of 57.12 ± 4.12 years. The EHLS-TR significantly decreased in the DN group compared to the control group (p = 0.004). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the EHLS-TR classification (p = 0.024). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), VAS, and DN4 values were found to be significantly higher in the DN group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). While there was a negative correlation between EHLS-TR scores and DN4 and HbA1c in the DN group, a positive correlation was found between EHLS-TR and NePIQoL. Conclusions HL has an effect on HbA1c, neuropathic pain level, and quality of life in DN patients. By increasing the level of HL, glycemic control can be achieved in this patient population, while the level of neuropathic pain decreases and the quality of life increases.