Factors Associated with Health Literacy and Self-care Behaviors among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Mixed Method Study in Ko Kha District, Lampang Province, Northern Thailand

Authors

Patcharaporn Sangkawichai, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand
Peerada Kamchang, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,
Kamonpan Paisawaeng, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,
Premkait Wongpimkham, Ban Sala Dong Lan Health Promoting Hospital, Ko Kha District, Lampang province, Thailand
Sayambhu Saita, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,
Supa Vittaporn, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,
Surangrat Pongpan, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,
Ruchirada Changkwanyeun, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,
Patcharin khamnuan, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,
Supang Wattanasoei, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand
Kasama Pooseesod, Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang province, Thailand,Follow

Abstract

Background: A key component for better risk factor management in improving the quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is having a comprehensive understanding of the relevant health information. This study examined diabetes health literacy (HL), self-care behaviors and associated factors among T2DM patients in a community in Lampang Province, Northern Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 183 T2DM patients. Data on sociodemographic variables, diabetes HL and self-care behavior were collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. In order to identify factors significantly associated with HL and self-care practices, an ordinal logistic regression analysis was employed. For qualitative data analysis, the data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:Twenty three percent of the participants had high levels of overall HL, while 85.8% had high levels of self-care practice. There was an association between HL and education (AOR=6.5; 95% CI=2.8-15.3; p

Conclusion:The findings revealed that only one fourth of the T2DM patients had high levels of overall diabetes HL, but most of them had high levels of self-care behavioral practices. Healthcare providers should conduct specialized HL, self-efficacy and social support promotion programs that have been designed to develop self-care behaviors in patients with T2DM.

Keywords: Health literacy, Self-care behaviors, Diabetes,T2DM,Thailand

Recommended Citation

Sangkawichai P, Kamchang P, Paisawaeng K, et al. Factors Associated with Health Literacy and Self-care Behaviors among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Mixed Method Study in Ko Kha District, Lampang Province, Northern Thailand. J Health Res. 2024; 38(4):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1086

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