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.