DHL and Behavior of T2DM Patients with Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels in Tertiary Care Unit

Abstract Background The number of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM) with uncontrolled blood sugar levels remains high, due to complications that affect the patients’ treatment outcomes, financial status, and quality of life. Health literacy plays a crucial role in glycemic control. This study aimed to assess the correlation between diabetic health literacy (DHL) and self-care behavior in T2DM patients. Factors associated with self-care behavior were observed. Methods After receiving approval from the ethics committee, a cross-sectional study was carried out at Rajavithi Hospital Diabetes Clinic between July and December 2024. The 300 T2DM patients with HbA1C >7% gave informed consent, were recruited, and completed questionnaires regarding socio-demographic data, DHL, and health behavior. Pearson's correlation coefficient was analyzed. Results Most participants were females, with a mean age of 59.41±11.92 years, married, had bachelor's degrees, and no complications. Good consumption behaviors include not smoking or drinking alcohol. Good drug use behavior includes taking medicine precisely and reading the label carefully. A very low positive relationship exists between self-care behavior and DHL regarding knowledge and understanding of T2DM, self-management of T2DM, media, information literacy, and decisions for better practice (r = 0.141-0.334, p < 0.001). Factors related to self-care behavior include gender, with males having higher behavior scores (r = 0.118, p < 0.041); education, those with lower education having lower behavior scores (r=-0.063, p < 0.001); and income, with lower incomes equating to lower behavioral scores (r=-0.145, p = 0.012). Conclusions Healthcare providers should promote communication skills, diabetic health literacy, and preventive behavior to reduce complications. Developing programs on self-care management in T2DM is suitable to ensure continuity of health care. Key messages • Findings help future researchers in clinical field as baselines of the self-care management of T2DM patients. • To enhance patient’s behavior changes, tailored diabetes management programs is required.