Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Education and Promotion

Advisor

Summer Parrott

Abstract

The prevalence of chronic diseases and their management is significantly different between blue- and white-collar employees. Social determinants of health are determining factors of health for blue-collar manufacturing employees in South Carolina. Type 2 Diabetes is a complex chronic condition that has been associated with serious co-morbidities, but it can be managed and/or treated. Workplace wellness programs provide an ideal setting for health education and promotion efforts targeted toward population health management. While workplace wellness programs have been proven successful, there is limited research on the relationship and impact on health literacy. This quantitative, descriptive study used secondary data to understand the relationship between health literacy-numeracy and diabetes care management because of participating in a workplace wellness program. Health-numeracy is knowing what the “health numbers” mean and understanding how and what to do when the numbers are not within range. Health-numeracy is a key component of diabetes management. The results of this study indicated that gender significantly impacted health literacy-numeracy. Males were more likely to have adequate health literacy-numeracy compared to females. The findings of this study can help expand health promotion and education efforts to provide awareness of workplace wellness programs and health literacy. Improvements in health literacy can also enhance overall chronic condition management, which can have wide reaching positive social change.

Download

Share

 
COinS