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Health Literacy and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Mixed Method Study.
Anne-Sofie Kortegaard1,2, Anette Andersen1, Anne Emilie Aastrup1
1Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N.
Health Literacy Research and Practice
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Type 1 diabetes management requires health literacy. This study identified seven distinct health literacy profiles in adults with type 1 diabetes, revealing varied needs for tailored support and improved healthcare navigation.
Area of Science:
- Diabetes Management
- Health Literacy Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Rising type 1 diabetes prevalence necessitates health literacy responsiveness for effective self-management.
- The Ophelia process aids in identifying diverse health literacy strengths and needs in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify health literacy strengths, needs, and preferences in adults with type 1 diabetes using the Ophelia process.
- Employ a mixed-methods approach to understand patient experiences and inform tailored interventions.
Main Methods:
- Surveying 238 adults with type 1 diabetes using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and electronic HLQ (eHLQ).
- Utilizing cluster analysis and in-depth interviews to develop representative patient vignettes.
- Guided by Phase 1, Steps 1 and 2 of the Ophelia process.
Main Results:
- Identified seven distinct health literacy profiles among adults with type 1 diabetes.
- Revealed significant diversity in health literacy, with nearly one-fifth experiencing low health literacy.
- Common challenges included difficulties navigating the healthcare system.
Conclusions:
- Tailored, person-centered interventions are crucial for strengthening diabetes self-management.
- Addressing health literacy variations can advance equity in healthcare access for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
- Vignettes provide valuable insights into patient experiences for clinical practice.
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