Pathways Linking Health Literacy to Health Outcomes in Young Adults with Type I diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study 

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Presenter(s)

Yami Mendoza

Abstract or Description

Hispanic/Latino individuals experience one of the lowest health literacy rates and have the highest diabetic rates in the U.S. compared to non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans, and Asian Americans. The public health significance of these rates is considerable given that this population is increasing in the U.S. There are conflicting findings on the association of health literacy and glycemic control, and the mechanisms underlying this association remains less clear. Our research tests aspects of the Pasache-Orlow & Wolf conceptual model, which proposes that three factors, (1) the use and access of health care, 2) the relationship between a patient and a doctor, and 3) self-care, mediate the association of health literacy with predicted health outcomes. Using a cross-sectional study design, 30 patients (18-25 years) were recruited from the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Participants will use Qualtrics to complete Spanish or English versions of health literacy and proposed domain questionnaires. HbA1c levels will be collected from participants’ medical records as our health outcome. Bivariate correlations and statistical analyses of mediation will be examined. We hypothesize 1) participants’ self-reports and data from their medical records will show low health literacy is associated with higher HbA1c levels, and 2) the proposed mechanisms will explain the association between low health literacy and elevated HbA1c levels among Hispanic/Latino young adults with Type 1 diabetes. Our study serves to future interventions for this growing population, as well as guides providers and the health care system of the role of routinely assessing health literacy.