Examination the relationship between the health literacy of patients with type 2 diabetes and the use of complementary and alternative medicine

Abstract

Background: Health literacy and the use of complementary and alternative medicine are two important factors that should be evaluated the management of type 2 diabetes. Objectives: To examine the relationship between the health literacy of patients with type 2 diabetes and the use of complementary and alternative medicine. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with 1076 patients with type 2 diabetes. The data were collected using a descriptive information form and the Health Literacy Scale. Results: It was found that 61.4% of the patients used complementary and alternative treatments. Patients’ total score from the Health Literacy scale was 48.90±19.92. The use of complementary and alternative therapy increased in the presence of another chronic disease or diabetic neuropathy and decreased with increased age and health literacy (R2 =050; Model: x2= 40.656, p=0.00). Conclusions: It was determined that the health literacy of patients with type 2 diabetes was not enough and that the use of complementary and alternative treatments was high. With the increase in patients' health literacy, the use of complementary and alternative medicine decreased. It is recommended that health professionals evaluate patients’ health literacy and use of complementary and alternative therapies and provide counselling to ensure effective diabetes self-management. Keywords: Health literacy; complementary and alternative medicine; type 2 diabetes mellitus.