Date of Scholarly Project Submission

5-2021

Degree Type

Scholarly Project

Faculty Chairperson

Dr. Jamie Crabb

Second Committee Member

Dr. Melissa Romero

Third Committee Member

Dr. Theresa Durley

Abstract

Low health literacy levels limit healthcare outcomes in a variety of diagnoses. Having a low health literacy level can significantly impact an individual’s ability to manage their condition. Among these individuals are incarcerated individuals, who are especially vulnerable to low health literacy levels. Due to regulations of the correctional facility, along with the vulnerability of the population, it is often difficult to get approval for studies and to make changes within this setting[TMD1] . The stigma of incarceration, along with the difficulty in navigating the correctional setting regulations, often create barriers to making changes that could improve the health of incarcerated individuals. Few studies have been completed on health literacy levels of incarcerated individuals. The Newest Vital Sign is a reliable and valid tool that is being used in a multitude of settings and languages to assess health literacy levels. The purpose of this project was to determine health literacy levels of incarcerated individuals with type 2 diabetes in a Midwestern facility along with the impact of educational materials provided over a one-month period of time. Using the appropriate tools to determine health literacy along with proper literacy-leveled education is paramount to positive health outcomes[TMD2] . This project aimed to focus on type 2 diabetes and health literacy factors associated with disease management.

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