Factors Associated With Foot Self-Care in Patients With Diabetes-Related High-Risk Feet: A Cross-Sectional Design

Inquiry. 2023 Jan-Dec:60:469580231220135. doi: 10.1177/00469580231220135.

Abstract

Foot self-care has been commonly studied among people with diabetes. Previous research on foot self-care among those with diabetes-related high-risk feet is almost unavailable or very limited. The current study aims to fill this gap and provide a contemporary unprecedented analysis of this area of specialization. To assess the levels of, and factors associated with foot self-care among people with diabetes-related high-risk feet. A multi-center cross-sectional study from Jordan assessed the foot self-care of 107 participants with diabetes-related high-risk feet. Multiple socio-demographic, physiological, and psychosocial factors were collected, and the Arabic version of the diabetes foot self-care behavior scale was used to estimate the foot self-care of the study population. A multiple linear regression model was employed to identify factors associated with foot self-care. The mean score of foot self-care was 25.4 ± 7.1 (35 is the highest) indicating ~73% of adherence to foot self-care. Factors associated with higher foot self-care were being treated at the King Abdullah University Hospital (β = .30, P < .01) and reporting higher scores of patients' interpretations about neuropathy physical causes of foot ulcers (β = ".22," P = .02). People with diabetes-related high-risk feet reported a relatively adequate foot self-care practice. However, clinicians are still required to enhance foot self-care among this population. Health promotion programs may benefit from engaging people in understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes-related foot ulcers to improve foot self-care practices.

Keywords: adherence; diabetes-related foot ulcer; diabetic foot; high-risk foot; self-care.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Foot* / epidemiology
  • Diabetic Foot* / therapy
  • Foot Ulcer* / complications
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Care / adverse effects