ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: T1DM is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality owing to its chronic microvascular and macrovascular complications. Therefore, it is important to determine the factors that may affect the follow-up for diabetes. Some studies conducted on adults with diabetes have suggested that health literacy is an important parameter in the follow-up of diabetes. However, few studies have examined the literacy level of parents of children with type 1 diabetes and its effect on diabetes control. This study aimed to evaluate the level of health literacy of caregiver parents of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and the relationship between health literacy and glycemic control.

Method: Sociodemographic data form and Turkey Health Literacy Scale (TSOY-32) were filled in online by the caregiver parents of diabetics aged 1-18 years, who have been followed up with the diagnosis of T1DM in Hitit University Erol Olçok Training and research hospital and Muğla Training and research hospital Pediatric Endocrinology outpatient clinics for at least 1 year. Formula and index calculations of the TSOY scale (insufficient health literacy 0-25; Problematic/Limited health literacy >25-33; Adequate health literacy >33-42; Excellent health literacy >42-50) were arranged in four groups. The metabolic control status of the patients and their scale scores were compared.

Results: One hundred thirty parents with a mean age of 39.1±6.4 years participated in the study. The proportion of mothers among the participating parents was 85%. The mean age of diabetics was 11.6±4.1 years and the mean diabetes age was 4.8±3.8 years. The mean TSOY-32 index score was 34.5 (16-50). 10% (n=13) of the participants were inadequate, 31.5% (n=41) limited-problematic, 36.9% (n=48) adequate, 21.5% (n=28) had excellent health literacy. No correlation was found between the index score and age of the parents, educational status, and hba1c. However, there was a negative correlation between the index score and severe hypoglycemia and the number of hospital admissions due to hypoglycemia (r= -0.285 and -0.245; P= 0.01 and 0.06, respectively).

Discussion: Contrary to the literature, no relationship was found between glycemic control and health literacy levels in our study. This may be due to the fact that the scale used in our study is different from the scales used in studies suggesting a relationship between health literacy and glycemic control, and that it is a subjective scale based on self-assessment.