Investigation of the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Self-Care Agency in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Descriptive and Correlational Study

Authors : Hatice Ağralı, Betül Bayrak

Pages : 390-398

Doi:10.26453/otjhs.1780032

View : 88 | Download : 163

Publication Date : 2025-12-20

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between health literacy and self-care agency in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 128 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who were receiving treatment in the internal medicine clinics of a city hospital. Data were collected by the researcher between July 2021 and February 2022 using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Diabetes Health Literacy Scale, and the Diabetes Self-Care Agency Scale. Results: The mean total score on the Diabetes Health Literacy Scale was 34.07 ± 11.75. The subscale scores were as follows: Functional Health Literacy – 12.39 ± 4.95, Interactive Health Literacy – 7.20 ± 3.05, and Critical Health Literacy – 14.46 ± 5.82. The mean total score on the Diabetes Self-Care Agency Scale was 82.19 ± 12.97. A statistically significant, positive, moderate correlation was found between the total self-care agency score and the total score, interactive, and critical subscale scores of the health literacy scale (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The participants demonstrated moderate levels of both health literacy and self-care agency. Health literacy is a key factor in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, as it influences individuals’ ability to access information, make informed decisions, adhere to treatment, and maintain quality of life. Enhancing health literacy is essential for improving self-care capacity and the sense of personal responsibility in disease management.
Keywords : Hemşirelik, kronik hastalık yönetimi, öz bakım gücü, sağlık okuryazarlığı, tip 2 diyabet

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