Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Dr. Wen-Hung Kuo

Abstract

The progression of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) among type II diabetics is preventable, yet complications continue to plague many. Reports show that 29.1 million people (9.3%) in the United States have diabetes, and 40% of those individuals develop ESRD. Four research questions explored the relationship between ESRD, health literacy, and healthcare. Data from 2010-2015 from the National Institute of Health (NIH) was quantitatively analyzed. The conceptual framework was the revised health service utilization theory. The target population included 3939 diverse males and females between the ages of 20-75 diagnosed with type II Diabetes. Results from Chi-square, cross-tabulation, binary, and multinomial logistic regression revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between inadequate health literacy and ESRD (p= <0.05), inadequate health literacy and healthcare services (p= <0.05), and healthcare services and development of ESRD (p=<.001). Findings exposed significant demographic co-factor differences. Males developed ESRD more than females, and African American and Hispanic populations were almost 2 times more likely than Caucasians to develop ESRD. As participants age, odds for developing ESRD increase about 2-3 times. Both race and education were significant predictors of inadequate health literacy. African Americans and Hispanics were 3 times more likely to have inadequate health literacy than Caucasian participants. Lower education increased the odds of having inadequate health literacy approximately 7.6 times. Results show that Caucasian participants had higher education levels and private health insurance, whereas African Americans and Hispanics had lower education and no insurance or Medicaid. Implications from this research show that social determinants among vulnerable populations are impacting an individual's health literacy and ability to adequately manage their health. Evidence from this study generates social change through recognition that health literacy is fundamental when attempting to prevent chronic disease complications and promote positive health.

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