Evaluation of self-care knowledge and skills among people living with diabetic foot ulcers and its relationship with general health in a developing country

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with increasing prevalence. One of the main complications of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers, which can lead to physical problems and high costs. Self-care and patient awareness are of particular importance and can help prevent complications.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of people living with diabetic foot ulcers regarding self-care and its relationship with general health in Iran.

This descriptive-correlational study aimed to determine the knowledge and skills of people living with diabetic foot ulcers regarding self-care and its relationship with general health in the hospitals of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in 2023. A convenience sample of 220 patients was selected, and data were collected and analyzed using demographic questionnaires, general health questionnaires, and the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Self-Care Knowledge and Skills Scale.

In this study, 220 people living with diabetic foot ulcers participated. The mean age of the participants was 65.7 years, and 56.8% were male. Ninety-five percent of the patients had type 2 diabetes, and 81.3% had high self-care knowledge scores. Additionally, 66.3% of the patients had satisfactory self-care skills scores. A significant positive correlation was observed between patients’ self-care knowledge and skills. There was also a significant positive correlation between general health and patients’ self-care skills.

This study showed that the self-care knowledge and skills of people living with diabetic foot ulcers are desirable and satisfactory and are positively associated with education level, non-smoking status, and regular doctor visits. Additionally, general health is positively related to patients’ self-care skills. Strengthening educational and counseling programs can help improve general health and reduce complications in these patients.