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

Abstract

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 0.05). 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.

Keywords

• Chinese immigrants
• diabetes
• health literacy
• patient education materials