Factors influencing foot care behavior among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have a high-risk diabetic foot in China

Abstract

Background & Aim: Foot ulceration and amputation have increased significantly among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Proper foot care behavior is an important strategy for reducing the risk of diabetes-related foot issues. The current study aimed to assess foot care behavior and its influencing factors, including self-efficacy, foot care knowledge, and social support, among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have a high-risk diabetic foot in Wenzhou, China.
 Methods & Materials: This research used a correlational predictive design. In total, 107 participants who were eligible for the study were randomly selected. Five self-reported questionnaires, including the demographic questionnaire, Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, Foot Care Knowledge questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Chinese version of the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare, were utilized. Descriptive statistical and standard multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate data.
 Results: Approximately 90.7% of participants had poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c≥ 7%), and 95.3% presented with foot deformities. Further, 51.4% of participants reported moderate foot care behavior, and 42.1% had poor foot care behavior. The multiple regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy, foot care knowledge, and social support significantly explained 31.1 % of the variability in foot care behavior. However, self-efficacy could predict foot care behavior (β= .490, p< .001).
 Conclusion: It is important to improve foot care behavior among patients with type 2 diabetes who have a high-risk diabetic foot. Nursing interventions to enhance foot care behavior should focus on improving self-efficacy and providing foot care education regularly.

Predictors of Diabetes Self-Management Behaviour Among Type 2 Diabetics in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These findings are consistent with existing literature. 21,22 Perceived Social Support Level in T2DM Patients…”

Differences in Satisfaction of Type 2 Diabetes Sufferers with the Android-Based WatDiab Application

“…It is necessary to design an application that, apart from improving foot care behavior, also increases selfefficacy and provides regular foot care education as previously developed (Cheng et al, 2023). Even though social and psychological aspects have been developed, effective applications have been developed in providing information and increasing self-efficacy, self-care and motivation for diabetes sufferers, but they still need development and integration with other aspects (Mufidah, 2020).…”

“…Other research emphasizes that further development, refinement and testing of applications on smartphones to increase self-efficacy and reduce the risk of diabetic foot is necessary (Kilic & Karadağ, 2020). Other research also revealed that interventions that focus on increasing self-efficacy will change diabetic foot care behavior (Cheng et al, 2023).…”