The effect of health literacy level on health outcomes in patients with diabetes at a type v health centre in Western Jamaica

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of health literacy levels on health outcomes in patients with diabetes in a type V health center in Western Jamaica. METHOD: A correlational survey design with a random sampling technique was used. An 18-item questionnaire and the Newest Vital Sign tool were administered to 88 consenting adults with diabetes to assess their health literacy levels. Their health outcomes were evaluated with docket review. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18. RESULTS: The participants were predominantly female (77.3%), aged 51–70 years, married (44%), employed (46%), and diagnosed with diabetes > 10 years (42%). Only 13.6% of the study population was adequately health literate. The health literacy scores for gender were not significant (P = 0.84). The health literacy scores of the patients with different ages and educational levels were significant (P < 0.001). Pearson's correlations revealed no linear relationship between health literacy scores and health outcome (r = 0.185, P = 0.084). CONCLUSION: Limited health literacy and high likelihood of limited health literacy are predominant in the study population. Age and educational level are significantly associated with health literacy levels. However, these findings suggest no association between health literacy level and diabetic health outcomes.