Health Literacy and Its Influencing Factors Among Community-Dwelling Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To characterize the health literacy status of community-dwelling patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to provide an evidence base for standardized health management of T2DM at the community level. Methods A total of 156 patients with T2DM were recruited from the community. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Diabetes Health Literacy Scale. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 26.0. Results The total health literacy score among community-dwelling patients with T2DM was 23.17 ± 6.74. Age, mode of blood glucose monitoring, educational level, and number of comorbidities were significantly associated with health literacy (P < 0.05). Conclusion The health literacy of community-dwelling T2DM patients was generally at a low level. Differentiated education and management strategies that account for differences in age, educational attainment, and disease characteristics should be developed to improve health literacy in this population.