Enhancing foot care education and support strategies in adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background: People with diabetes are susceptible to serious and disabling foot complications, which increase their morbidity and mortality rates. Examining the perspectives of people with diabetes on their foot care routines could help elucidate their beliefs and offer practical ways to prevent foot problems. Purpose: We explored the perspectives of adults with diabetes on their foot care practices to identify and enhance foot care education and support strategies. Methodology: Using the Zoom platform, 29 adults with diabetes completed a 3-month telehealth educational program, during which interviews were conducted. This article reports the results of thematic content analysis of the qualitative data. Coded participant statements were organized into categories and reexamined to identify emergent themes. Results: Analysis of participants' perceptions revealed four main themes of influences that facilitated and/or hindered their foot care practices. Foot care behaviors were facilitated by patients' personal knowledge of others with diabetes-related foot consequences (theme 1). Foot care practices were hindered by the emotional impact of living with diabetes (theme 2), and the physical, social, and lifestyle limitations associated with foot care (theme 3). Finally, patients noted that interactions with family could be either a facilitator or hindrance to their foot care routines (theme 4). Conclusions: These findings highlight multiple patient-centered factors related to personal, physical, psychosocial, and cultural influences that affect foot care behaviors. Implications: An understanding of how patients manage diabetes-related foot care can help nurse practitioners enhance foot care education and support strategies in this population.