More research needed on health literacy and medication adherence in ethnic minority adults with Type 2 Diabetes

New research led by Western Sydney University finds limited evidence on the association between health literacy and medication adherence among ethnic minority adults living with Type 2 Diabetes.

Published in BMC Public Health, the research team from Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney reviewed seven global studies investigating reduced medication adherence and lower levels of health literacy, however, only one study found a significant association between the two factors and to date none have been based in Australia.

Lead author, PhD Candidate, Jinal Parmar from Western Sydney University’s School of Health Sciences said the review has revealed the need for more targeted studies to address disparities in cultural and linguistic considerations of Type 2 Diabetes patients from ethnic minorities in Western Sydney.

“People from ethnic minorities face significant barriers in accessing diabetes care, including facing cultural and language barriers, and low health literacy. There is a need for more targeted strategies to improve access and health outcomes for these communities,” said Jinal.

“Health promotion experts need to co-design resources with ethnic minority groups to address this problem. More studies are needed globally, but especially in the Greater Western Sydney region.”

Senior author, Associate Professor Amit Arora from Western’s School of Health Sciences and Translational Health Research Institute said that one of the key recommendations of the review is that health services and policy makers need to consider cultural safety training for healthcare professionals providing care to people with Type 2 Diabetes.

Health professionals should be using techniques such as teach-back and asking patients to repeat information in their own words, visual aids, and using simple language to confirm understanding and address any gaps.”

Amit Arora, Senior author, Associate Professor, Western’s School of Health Sciences and Translational Health Research Institute

“By ensuring ethnic minority groups understand their diabetes management instructions, patients are empowered in making informed decisions and remain in control of their treatment.”

Dr Tien-Ming Hng, Endocrinologist at Western Sydney Local Health District and Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University’s School of Medicine emphasized the need for research-driven insights to improve patient outcomes.

Dr Hng works with culturally diverse communities in clinics in Western Sydney and can see the importance of addressing the challenges of medication adherence.

“The rates of Type 2 diabetes in Western Sydney are higher relative to other parts of metropolitan Sydney,” said Associate Professor Hng.

“Multiple medications are sometimes needed to achieve treatment goals, and regular use is key to their success. There are potentially many factors that can influence medication use within specific ethnic groups, and studies that inform us of these challenges will help us treat our patients better.”