Health literacy, self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Purpose The study purpose was to explore the relationships among health literacy, self‐efficacy, and self‐care behaviors of patients with type 2 diabetes. Data sources A cross‐sectional study with a descriptive correlational design was conducted. Patients (N = 150) with type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetes clinics in the Marshall Islands. Levels of health literacy, self‐efficacy, and self‐care behaviors were assessed by a questionnaire. Conclusions Health literacy, receiving diabetes education, and employment status together explained 11.8% of the variance in self‐efficacy (F(3,147) = 7.58, p < .001). Patients who had higher health literacy, received more diabetes‐related education, were currently employed and had better self‐efficacy. Self‐efficacy and marital status together explained 16.7% of the variance in self‐care behaviors (F(2,148) = 15.96, p < .001). Patients who had higher self‐efficacy and who were married had better self‐care behaviors. Implications for practice Strategies are needed to incorporate the concept of self‐efficacy in the design of diabetes education to promote patients’ self‐care behaviors, with an emphasis on dealing with hyper‐ or hypoglycemia, following the diet plan, and checking blood sugar levels as recommended. Diabetes education material that requires a lower literacy level may be needed for older or unemployed adult populations.