Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Its Association with Health Literacy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kuantan Primary Health Clinics.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70672/nvbvys84Keywords:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathies; health literacy, type 2 diabetes mellitusAbstract
Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), contributing to disability, foot ulceration, and reduced quality of life. Health literacy may influence patients’ self-care and early detection of complications, but evidence from Malaysian primary care is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DPN and its association with health literacy among patients with T2DM in primary health clinics in Kuantan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 adults with T2DM selected using probability proportionate to size sampling across four primary health clinics in Kuantan. Simple random sampling was applied within clinics. DPN was assessed using monofilament and tuning fork tests, and health literacy using an interviewer-administered Health Literacy Short Form Instrument (HLS-SF12) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression identified associated factors. Results: The prevalence of DPN was 23.3% (n = 100; 95% CI: 19.3–27.5). Increasing age (AOR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.07, p = 0.003) and HbA1c (AOR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06–1.35, p = 0.003) were independently associated with higher odds of DPN. Participants with adequate health literacy had significantly lower odds of DPN compared to those with limited health literacy (AOR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28–0.82, p = 0.008). Other sociodemographic and clinical factors were not significantly associated with DPN. Conclusion: Nearly one in four adults with T2DM attending primary care clinics in Kuantan had DPN. Adequate health literacy was independently associated with lower odds of DPN, highlighting the importance of routine screening and health literacy–focused interventions in primary care to reduce neuropathic complications.
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