Work

Limited health literacy and medication knowledge in type 2 diabetes patients from a socially deprived area of Greater Paris (Seine-Saint-Denis)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Health literacy (HL) influences patients' understanding of their disease and treatment and may affect diabetes self-management. We evaluated the prevalence of HL among patients with type 2 diabetes living in a socially deprived area of Greater Paris and examined its association with medication knowledge. Material and methods We conducted a non-interventional cross-sectional study of adults with type 2 diabetes. HL was assessed using the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire. Knowledge of medication dosage and medication purpose was assessed for each prescribed medication. Results The 103 participants included comprised 53 men and 50 women; mean age was 54 ± 8 years, mean duration of diabetes was 14.2 ± 8.5 years, and the majority were immigrants (68.9%). Most participants had a low or intermediate educational level (78.6%) and a low socioeconomic status (89.3%; ESeC classification). The mean HL score was 8.95 (range 0–16). Forty-eight participants (46.6%) had inadequate HL, 37 (35.9%) had problematic HL and 18 (17.5%) had adequate HL. Participants with limited HL were less likely to have French as their mother language and more likely to have an immigrant background, a lower educational level, a lower socioeconomic status, require additional information about their diabetes treatment, and receive home nursing support. Mean medication-dosage and medication-purpose knowledge scores were 83% and 67%, respectively. Higher HL score remained independently associated with better medication-purpose knowledge after adjustment for major sociodemographic and clinical factors. Conclusion Limited HL affected more than 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes living in a socially deprived area of Greater Paris and remained independently associated with lower medication-purpose knowledge. These findings support routine assessment of HL and HL-sensitive educational interventions, with health mediators (patient navigators) representing a valuable complementary resource.

Source: Diabetes Epidemiology and Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.deman.2026.100327

Authors: Omar Nouhou Koutcha, Imen Rezgani, Jinene EL Fahid, Emmanuel Cosson, Hélène Bihan

Institutions: Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement

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: $2,460