Health Literacy And Behavioral Interventions To Improve Self-Management In Chronic Disease Populations

Abstract

Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which require chronic self-management by the patient and professional care. Behavioral interventions and health literacy are critical in helping individuals gain control, self-monitor, and change the health behaviors required to control diseases in the long term. This study reviewed the moderating role of health literacy in the efficacy of behavioral interventions aimed at achieving self-management among adults with chronic diseases. The quantitative part was conducted with a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 articles (n = 5,348), and the qualitative part involved semi-structured interviews with the medical personnel and patients. The results showed that interventions that used health literacy principles, including patient education, motivational interviewing, and peer-support programs, generated strong changes in medication adherence, lifestyle change, and clinical outcomes, including the reduction of HbA1c and the control of blood pressure. In addition, health literacy was found to be an important moderator that enhances the effectiveness of interventions among populations. In nursing terms, the findings indicate the paramount role that nurses play in determining the level of literacy, customizing the message, and instating behavior change in patients by educating and supporting them on a continuous basis. The findings provide a strong rationale for implementing health-literacy-focused, behavioral-based interventions in nursing practice to improve chronic disease self-management and achieve optimal patient outcomes.