Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Nursing
Advisor
Leslie C. Hussey
Abstract
The level of health literacy (HL) can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to understand how to care for themselves. Limited HL reduces access to healthcare having limited HL is associated with poor self-management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which is common among vulnerable populations and further contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, especially in which is true in Latina/Hispanic adults who have T2DM. The purpose of the study, guided by the health belief model, was to determine what effect an educational intervention had on blood glucose levels, health literacy, and medication adherence in older Latina/Hispanic women with T2DM. Seventeen participants with T2DM met the inclusion criteria and completed 3 clinic visits over 3 weeks. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed that the teaching session had no statistically significant effect on HL, blood glucose, and medication adherence. Further study is needed to identify additional variables which may be predictors, of adherence, such as financial need, instances of attending scheduled medical appointments, and participation in a structured diabetes education program. A structured program might include formal education classes on T2DM with classes provided both in English and Spanish and include the participation of men because gender can be a strong predictor of medication adherence among Latinos. Improving HL outcomes can help in improving overall health of individuals and communities, which effects positive social change.
Recommended Citation
Trinidad, Cecilia S., "Effect on Health Literacy on Medication Adherence in Older Latina Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9459.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9459
