Understanding Diabetes Literacy in Seremban: Predictive Factors and Clinical Implications
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Wee Mee Cheng
1
;
Nadiah Aminah Azizan
2
;
Wan Farahiyah Wan Muhmad
3
;
Aun Aun Chua
3
;
Poh Shean Wong
1
;
Lit Sin Yong
1
;
Nor Afidah Karim
1
;
Noor Lita Adam
1
Author Information
1. Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban
2. Klinik Kesihatan Seremban
3. Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Literacy;
Diabetes Mellitus
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):35-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Diabetes literacy represents personal knowledge and
competencies related to diabetes mellitus (DM) among
people living with DM (PLWD). It is a crucial component
for optimizing care and empowering effective selfmanagement.
Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital Tuanku
Ja’afar Seremban (HTJS) and Klinik Kesihatan Seremban
(KKS) using a validated simplified Diabetes Knowledge
Test (DKT). DKT assessed understanding in six domains,
namely, awareness, lifestyle modification, diet and monitoring, general knowledge, preventive screening, and
insulin. A score of >75% was classified as adequate diabetes
literacy. Significant predictive factors identified from univariate Pearson Chi Square were further analyzed using
multivariate logistic regression.
Results:A total of 250 PLWDs, with equal contribution from each
centre, were recruited with a mean (SD) age of 50.3 (13.6)
years, 58.4% female, and 43.2% Malays. A total of 21.2%
demonstrated adequate diabetes literacy. The results
demonstrated the highest proficiency in the preventive
screening domain (92.6%) and the lowest in the awareness
domain (50.2%). Unemployed PLWDs had significantly
lower odds of adequate diabetes literacy (odds ratio [OR]
= 0.20, p = 0.010). Similarly, PLWDs with hemoglobin A1c
levels >10% exhibited approximately 2.6-fold lower odds
of adequate diabetes literacy. In contrast, PLWDs who
reported healthcare personnel as their primary source of
diabetes-related information had significantly higher odds
of adequate literacy (OR = 1.59, p = 0.017). No significant
association was demonstrated between diabetes literacy
and frequency of hospital admissions, medication
adherence, and diabetes-related target organ damage
Conclusion:Diabetes literacy among PLWD in HTJS and KKS is
suboptimal, with notable gaps in awareness of the disease.
Targeted, culturally tailored education strategies are
essential to address these disparities and to empower them
for effective diabetes self-management.
- Full text:202607281656445265EP_A030.pdf
