Mass Media and Social Media Impact on Health Literacy And Patient Empowerment of Diabetic Patients

Abstract This research assesses the role of health literacy in diabetic patient’s lifestyle modification and disease management as a form of patient empowerment. The study evaluated health literacy, patient empowerment, and sources of information for diabetic patients. The research utilized a quantitative methodology using purposive sampling for 408 diabetic patients in diabetes institutes and online social media platforms addressing diabetic patients. The study included two phases, offline and online, with comparisons of online versus offline diabetic literacy. A conceptual model assessing the role of health literacy in diabetic patient’s lifestyle modification and disease management as a form of patient empowerment was developed. The research will contribute to diabetic patient’s health literacy, promotion of creating social network models, educational and patient support initiatives, online literacy, and effective diabetic self-managers.