Work

Health literacy and diabetes information preferences among Chinese immigrants: An Australian cross‐sectional study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: Explore Australian-Chinese immigrants' health literacy and preferences and engagement with translated diabetes self-management patient education materials. DESIGN: The cross-sectional survey was conducted with Australian-Chinese immigrants at risk or with type 2 diabetes recruited via health services, and diabetes and community organisations. METHODS: The survey had three parts: (1) diabetes screening; (2) sociodemographic information, clinical characteristics and preferences for translated materials; and (3) Functional, Communicative and Critical Health Literacy (FCCHL) Scale. RESULTS: Of 381 participants, 54.3% reported diabetes (n = 207), the remainder pre-diabetes or at risk (45.7%, n = 174); 34.1% male; mean age 64.1 years. Average total health literacy (FCCHL) scores were 35.3/56 (SD = 8.7). Participants with greater English proficiency reported higher health literacy (p < 0.001). This pattern also existed for functional (p < 0.001), communicative (p = 0.007) and critical (p = 0.041) health literacy subdomains. Health literacy scores did not differ significantly based on years of residence in Australia (all p > 0.05). Although the majority of participants (75.6%, N = 288) were willing to receive translated diabetes information, only a small proportion (19.7%, N = 75) reporting receiving such materials. CONCLUSION: There is a clear need for co-designed diabetes patient education materials that meet the needs and adequately reach Australian-Chinese immigrants. In particular, these materials must support people with limited English-language proficiency. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: This study highlights important considerations for nurses seeking to improve diabetes care for Chinese immigrants when incorporating patient education materials as part of their nursing education.

Source: Nursing Open

DOI: 10.1002/nop2.70029

Authors: Shanshan Lin, Danielle Muscat, Julie Ayre

Institutions: University of Technology Sydney, The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,230