Addressing Literacy and Numeracy to Improve Diabetes Care

• DOI: 10.2337/dc09-0563
• Publication Date: 2009-09-10T01:50:35Z
• Authors: Kerri Cavanaugh; Kenneth A. Wallston; Tebeb Gebretsadik; Ayumi Shintani; Mary Margaret Hui...; Dianne Davis; Rebecca Pratt Gre...; Robb Malone; Michael Pignone; Darren DeWalt; Tom A. Elasy; Russell L. Rothman
• Keywords: Numeracy; Health Literacy

OBJECTIVE Diabetic patients with lower literacy or numeracy skills are at greater risk for poor diabetes outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of providing literacy- and numeracy-sensitive care within an enhanced program on A1C other RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In two randomized controlled trials, we enrolled 198 adult diabetic most recent ≥7.0%, referred participation in program. For 3 months, control received from existing programs, whereas intervention programs that also addressed each institution. Intervention providers health communication training used interactive Diabetes Literacy Numeracy Education Toolkit patients. was measured 6 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes included self-efficacy, self-management behaviors, treatment satisfaction. RESULTS At both had significant improvements baseline (intervention −1.50 [95% CI −1.80 to −1.02]; −0.80 [−1.10 −0.30]). adjusted analysis, there improvement group than (P = 0.03). were no differences between groups. Self-efficacy improved No found behaviors CONCLUSIONS A numeracy-focused modestly self-efficacy glycemic compared standard care, but difference attenuated after conclusion intervention.