J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2016 Dec;27(4):370-379. 10.12799/jkachn.2016.27.4.370.

Effects of Health Literacy and Knowledge on Diabetic Self-care in the Elderly with DM Living Alone

• Kim NH
• Yang Y
• Lee MH

• KMID: 2366964
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2016.27.4.370

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of self-care adherence in the elderly with diabetes mellitus (DM) who have lived alone, and to investigate the association between health literacy, diabetic knowledge and self-care adherence.
METHODS
Descriptive research using the cross-sectional approach was conducted. Data was collected by using a convenience sampling of 201 participants who aged sixty-five years old or more and have lived alone. Statistical analysis was conducted by using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
RESULTS
Mean scores of health literacy, diabetic knowledge and adherence of self-care were 4.41±3.54 points out of a possible 12, 6.22±2.55 points out of a possible 15, 58.56±17.28 points out of a possible 112, respectively. Adherence of self-care showed a statistical association with health literacy (r=.26, p<.001) and diabetic knowledge (r=.30, p<.001). Statistically significant factors in the regression model were monthly income, diabetic knowledge and exercise.
CONCLUSION
The level of self-care adherence in the elderly with diabetes living alone was relatively low. Diabetic knowledge was an important factor to improve the level of self-care adherence for the elderly with diabetes living alone.

Keyword

Elderly; Diabetes mellitus; Health literacy; Knowledge; Self care

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Diabetes Mellitus
Health Literacy*
Humans
Self Care*

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