Tools to Measure Health Literacy among US African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review of the Literature. Issue 10 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Estrella, Mayra L.; Allen-Meares, Paula
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 103:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 2155
• Page End: 2165
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: health literacy -- diabetes -- Hispanics/Latinos -- African Americans -- tools -- measurement; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.04.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: Seventeen health literacy tools were identified in this review. Cross-cultural adaptation principles should be considered when validating tools. Limited work has evaluated screeners in English-speaking Hispanics/Latinos (H/L). General health literacy tools are needed for African Americans and H/L. Abstract: Objective: To provide an overview of the health literacy tools that have been validated in samples of African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos with type 2 diabetes, growing segments of the US population. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, three electronic databases were searched. The following inclusion criteria were used: peer-reviewed research; examined validity of a health literacy tool; and included US African American and/or Hispanic/Latino adults with type 2 diabetes. Results: Sixteen studies were selected; none exclusively included African Americans while 3 exclusively included Hispanics/Latinos in the sample. Seventeen health literacy tools were identified. Among African Americans, 2 health literacy screeners, 2 diabetes knowledge, and 3 numeracy tools have been validated. Among Hispanics/Latinos, 1 health literacy screener, 1 diabetes knowledge, and 1 numeracy tool have been validated. However, cross-cultural adaptation principles were rarely considered in the development and validation of these tools. Conclusion: In those with type 2 diabetes, future studies should investigate the validity of health literacy screeners among English-speaking Hispanics/Latinos and general health literacy tools among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. Evidence on the validity of diabetes knowledge and numeracy tools was mixed across studies. Practice implications: Findings can inform the selection of culturally-appropriate health literacy tools in clinical and research settings.