ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine actual and perceived diabetes risk in individuals aged ≥45 and their health literacy levels. Methods and Materials: The study is of descriptive, correlational design and was conducted with 82 university staff members of ages ≥45 years. Along with Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), was used to collect data of the question, “Please comment on your diabetes risk?” and the Health Literacy Scale for Turkey (HLST-32). Results: About of twenty-six percent for the participants exhibited a high/very high actual diabetes mellitus risk. A positive and significant correlation was found between the participants’ actual and perceived risk of diabetes mellitus (r=0.771, p<0.001). Seventy-two percent of the individuals displayed inadequate, problematic/limited levels of health literacy. There was no significant correlation between actual and perceived diabetes mellitus risk and health literacy scores.

Conclusion: Individuals are aware that they are at risk of developing diabetes mellitus. About three out of every four participants had a low health literacy level. The fact that a more educated group such as university personnel demonstrated low health literacy compared to the general public is an issue that must be addressed.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, actual risk, perceived risk, health literacy, university staff