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Digital Health Information Access and Glycemic Control Among Diabetes Patients in Lao PDR: Evidence from a
Chanmaly Keomalavong1,2, Ranee Wongkongdech1,3
1Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Thailand.
None:
Diabetes has become a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Lao PDR, where rapid demographic and lifestyle changes have contributed to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Effective diabetes management requires not only clinical treatment but also adequate health literacy and access to reliable health information to support patient self-management. This study examined glycemic control and access to health information among adults with type 2 diabetes receiving care at a tertiary hospital in Lao PDR. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with type 2 diabetes attending the diabetes clinic at Setthathirath Hospital in Vientiane Capital. Data were collected through structured interviews assessing diabetes knowledge, attitudes, self-care behaviors, and access to health information, while HbA1c values were obtained from medical records to assess glycemic control. The mean HbA1c level was 9.03 ± 2.47%, indicating generally poor glycemic control, with nearly half of the participants presenting HbA1c levels ≥9%. Most participants reported receiving diabetes-related information primarily from healthcare professionals during routine clinic visits. However, many participants were unable to independently search for health information despite owning mobile phones, suggesting limited digital health literacy. Strengthening diabetes education, improving access to understandable health information, and enhancing community and family support may improve diabetes self-management among adults in resource-constrained healthcare settings.
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