Influence of Literacy, Self-Efficacy, and Social Support on Diabetes-Related Outcomes Following Hospital Discharge

Abstract

Audrey White,1 Elizabeth Buschur,2 Cara Harris,2 Michael L Pennell,3 Adam Soliman,2 Kathleen Wyne,2 Kathleen M Dungan2 1Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; 2Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43220, USA; 3The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, Columbus, OH, 43210, USACorrespondence: Kathleen M Dungan, The Ohio State University, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 5th Floor McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210-1296, USA, Email [email protected]: To evaluate the relationship between health literacy, social support, and self-efficacy as predictors of change in A1c and readmission among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods: This is a secondary analysis of patients with T2D (A1c > 8.5%) enrolled in a randomized trial in which health literacy (Newest Vital Sign), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and empowerment (Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form) was assessed at baseline. Multivariable models evaluated whether these concepts were associated with A1c reduction at 12 weeks (absolute change, % with > 1% reduction, % reaching individualized target) and readmission (14 and 30 days).Results: A1c (N=108) decreased > 1% in 60%, while individualized A1c target was achieved in 31%. After adjustment for baseline A1c and potential confounders, health literacy was associated with significant reduction in A1c (Estimate − 0.21, 95% CI − 0.40, − 0.01, p=0.041) and > 1% decrease in A1c (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08, 1.73, p=0.009). However, higher social support was associated with greater adjusted odds of reaching the individualized A1c target (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.04, 2.55, p=0.32). Both higher empowerment (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08, 0.64, p=0.005) and social support (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36, 0.91, p=0.018) were associated with fewer readmissions by 14 days, but not 30 days.Conclusion: The study indicates that health literacy and social support may be important predictors of A1c reduction post-discharge among hospitalized patients with T2D. Social support and diabetes self-management skills should be addressed and early follow-up may be critical for avoiding readmissions.Clinical Trial: NCT03455985.Keywords: type 2 diabetes, hospital discharge, basal insulin, A1c, readmission, social support, self-efficacy, literacy

Keywords

• type 2 diabetes hospital discharge basal insulin a1c readmission social support self-efficacy literacy