Physical Body Self-Concept and Foot Care Self-Efficacy in Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Aim: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is the most common reason for non-traumatic lower limb amputation, which is most costly. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body self-concept and foot care self-efficacy with diabetic foot ulcer. Method and Materials: In this cross-sectional study ۴۵۰ diabetic patients including ۲۲۵ patients with foot ulcer and ۲۲۵ patients without foot ulcer were selected randomly and assessed. Participants were asked to complete demographic questionnaire as well as two self – report questionnaires of   Foot Care Self-efficacy (FCSE) and Body Self-Concept (BSC) questionnaires. Data were analyzed through descriptive/analytical tests by SPSS version ۲۴.   Findings: Totally, ۴۵۰ diabetic patients with and without foot ulcer (۲۲۵ participants in each group) were assessed. The mean scores of FCSE of patients with and without foot ulcer were ۲۹.۲۴±۶.۶۵ and ۴۷.۵۲±۱۱.۰۱ respectively which was significantly different (P<۰.۰۰۱).   Moreover, these scores of body self-concept of patients with and without foot ulcer were ۶۰.۲۴±۸.۶۰ and ۸۴.۳۶±۱۱.۴۱respectively which was different significantly (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusions: This study verified diabetic patients who suffering from foot ulcer had lower beliefs regarding foot care self- efficacy and body self-concept. Therefore, practicing with these patients to improve their self-efficacy and self –concept is strongly recommended.

Keywords:

Physical Body Self-Concept , Foot Care Self-Efficacy , Diabetic Foot Ulcer