Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Prof. Peter Anderson

Abstract

AbstractDiabetes imposes significant burdens in medical expenditures, medication use, outpatient visits, and treatment of its chronic complications. Self-care behaviors such as medication adherence and foot care have been shown to reduce hospitalizations and complications, and high health literacy levels have been positively associated with self-care adoption. However, the effect of superstition on this relationship has not been studied among diabetic patients in Warri, Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the moderating effects of superstitious or cultural beliefs on the relationship between health literacy and self-care adoption among diabetes patients in Warri, Nigeria. A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional design guided this study along with the health belief model and four research questions. Data were collected using a self-reported, self-administered, and structured questionnaire that combined a Brief Health Literacy Tool, Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire, and the modified Traditional Beliefs Scale. Data from 384 participants were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. Results of the analyses showed low rates of health literacy and self-care adoption (12.3% & 17.7%, respectively) but a high rate of superstition (77.1%). The moderating effect of superstition on the association between health literacy and self-care was large (effect size of 11.05) and negative. Thus, intervention programs aimed at reducing the levels of superstition among the studied population are needed to improve the rate of self-care adoption and reduce hospitalizations and complications of diabetes. This can improve the lives of those with diabetes leading to positive social change

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