Self-care of Diabetic Patients and Health Literacy: Case Study of Diabetic Patients of Ban Nong Kang Khen Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

The number of patienys with diabetes in Thailand continues to increase annually despite the active campaigns for health promotion and disease prevention. Nowadays, with the easier and faster access to information, there is an opportunity to disseminate knowledge and information to change their health behaviors among diabetes patients in order to improve self care among them. The objective of this research was to study the association between self-care behaviors pattern and health literacy level of diabetic patients. It was conducted at Ban Nong Kang Khen Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital in Nonthaburi province. The samples were purposively recruited diabetes patients who had over 2 years of self care experiences and willing to participate in the study. Data were collected by in-depth interview using a semi-structured questionnaire; and were analyzed according to the key related issues. The results showed that the diabetic patients had 6 patterns of health care behaviors: (1) consumption adjustment behavior, (2) medicine adherence, (3) diet control without medication, (4) regular hospital visits, (5) taking care of the body and mind, and (6) utilization of some kinds of herbs as the alternative treatment of diabetes. The patients were well aware and literate on information and knowledge related to diabetes. Most of them accessed and searched for health information on the internet and had analytical thinking skills to evaluate information and health knowledge for self-care or management. Thus, health literacy in patients could result in the modification of health care behaviors appropriate for their ability to live a normal life and have a better quality of life.