Levels and Correlates of Numeracy Skills in Lebanese Adults with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Carmel Bouclaous (), Luna Joe Azar, Nour Barmo, Ralph Daher, Jana Tabaja, Ghida El Hout and Lina Berika
Additional contact information
Carmel Bouclaous: Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
Luna Joe Azar: Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
Nour Barmo: Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
Ralph Daher: Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
Jana Tabaja: Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
Ghida El Hout: Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
Lina Berika: Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-15

Abstract: Diabetes numeracy skills are required in the interpretation of food labels, insulin pump dosage, the interpretation of blood glucose meter data, and the determination of carbohydrate intake. This study assessed the levels and correlates of numeracy skills in Lebanese adults with diabetes to identify those most at risk of uncontrolled diabetes. In total, 299 adults with diabetes, mean age 47.4 ± 19.8 years, took the questionnaire. It consisted of self-developed items on sociodemographic and health-related factors, in addition to the Diabetes Numeracy Test-15 (DNT-15) and the Single Item Literacy Screener. Many participants (62%) scored < 10 on the DNT-15 indicating insufficient numeracy skills. DNT-15 scores were positively associated with literacy, exercise, healthy diet, perceived diabetes control, frequency of glycaemia measurement, ability to afford treatment, and ease of understanding information related to diabetes. Age, BMI, and complications were negatively correlated with DNT-15 score. Numeracy skills were higher in males, single individuals, and in people with type 1 diabetes, fewer complications, controlled HbA1c, higher income, higher education, a prior visit to a dietician, and ability to maintain personal care despite COVID-19. Interventions to strengthen numeracy skills would empower individuals with diabetes, lead to appropriate self-management behaviors, and prevent health complications in at-risk individuals.

Keywords: numeracy skills; diabetes mellitus; diabetes management; healthy lifestyles; non-communicable disease; prevention; Lebanon; DNT-15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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