Tools to Measure Health Literacy among US African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Abstract

To provide an overview of the health literacy tools that have been validated in samples of African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos with type 2 diabetes, growing segments of the US population. Following PRISMA guidelines, three electronic databases were searched. The following inclusion criteria were used: peer-reviewed research; examined validity of a health literacy tool; and included US African American and/or Hispanic/Latino adults with type 2 diabetes. Sixteen studies were selected; none exclusively included African Americans while 3 exclusively included Hispanics/Latinos in the sample. Seventeen health literacy tools were identified. Among African Americans, 2 health literacy screeners, 2 diabetes knowledge, and 3 numeracy tools have been validated. Among Hispanics/Latinos, 1 health literacy screener, 1 diabetes knowledge, and 1 numeracy tool have been validated. However, cross-cultural adaptation principles were rarely considered in the development and validation of these tools. In those with type 2 diabetes, future studies should investigate the validity of health literacy screeners among English-speaking Hispanics/Latinos and general health literacy tools among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. Evidence on the validity of diabetes knowledge and numeracy tools was mixed across studies. Findings can inform the selection of culturally-appropriate health literacy tools in clinical and research settings.