PhD-student
Leah Sejrup Christensen
Internal Medicine Research Unit, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark
| Projekt styring | ||
| Projekt status | Open | |
| Data indsamlingsdatoer | ||
| Start | 18.08.2024 | |
| Slut | 17.08.2027 | |
Treatment tailored to the health literacy needs of patients with type 2 diabetes and multi-disease and family members - a mixed methods study
Short summary
Background: Type 2 diabetes can be associated with low socio-economic status and lower levels of health literacy than the remaining population. However, family involvement can increase self-management. Aim: To improve the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and multi-disease. Design: The project integrates quantitative and qualitative research in three substudies inspired by the Ophelia methodology. Furthermore, we include elements of a British framework for complex interventions.
Rationale
Diabetes is a global epidemic, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for over 95% of cases. In Denmark, approximately 310,000 people had T2D in 2022, and nearly 80% also had other chronic conditions (multi-disease). Managing T2D and multi-disease requires prioritising self-care and recognising when to seek professional help. Research highlights the crucial role of social networks, particularly family, in supporting self-management, including diet and medical adherence. As living with T2D impacts both individuals and their social circles, health literacy-both personal and within the family-plays a key role in effective disease management. The aim of this PhD project is to improve treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and multi-disease by developing a systematic intervention targeting the health literacy levels of patients and their family members.
Description of the cohort
This project will include adults outpatients with type 2 diabetes and multi-disease. Participants will be recruited from four university hospitals in the Region of Southern Denmark. The four hospitals include nine diabetes outpatient clinics. Patients can participate without family members, and family members of patients with T2D and multi-disease can participate without patient participation. However, we hope have a majority of dyadic participants.
Data and biological material
This PhD project consists of three substudies. 1. A cross-sectional survey of health literacy 2. Patient and family interviews 3. Patient, family and healthcare professional co-creation workshops