Efficacy of Chronic Disease Self-management Program in Older Korean Adults with Low and High Health Literacy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of the Chronic Disease Self-management Program (CDSMP) among older Korean adults and investigated the question of whether the effects differed according to their levels of health literacy. METHODS: Measures of self efficacy, physical activity, physical health, and mental health were assessed at baseline, and at 6-week, and 18-week follow up for the CDSMP intervention group (n = 23) and control group (n = 31) according to their health literacy status. RESULTS: The older adults in the CDSMP intervention group showed significantly higher levels of self efficacy and physical activity at follow up. Participants with low health literacy had greater benefits from the intervention than had those with high health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: The CDSMP is a beneficial intervention for older Korean adults with chronic disease. Healthcare professionals should encourage older Korean adults with chronic illness to participate in the CDSMP, in particular for those with low health literacy.