Medication self-management support for people with diabetes and low health literacy: A needs assessment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: An adequate level of health literacy is regarded as a prerequisite for adequate medication self-management. Low health literacy skills are relatively more common in people with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. The aim of this study was to explore the needs regarding medication self-management of people with type 2 diabetes and low (functional, communicative and critical) health literacy, and their preferences for medication self-management support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-stage qualitative needs assessment study was performed using in-depth individual interviews and focus groups. RESULTS: The participants preferred to be supported with reliable and easily understandable information, adequate interactive communication with health care professionals and fellow people with diabetes and tools for medication self-management support. DISCUSSION: Future interventions should be created in co-creation with people with low health literacy and fulfill the expressed needs on information, communication and tools to improve self-management.