A study on the self-foot examination practice among diabetes patients, Mae Hong Son Province A study on the self-foot examination practice among diabetes patients, Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) foot problem is a major leading cause of burden on patients and the healthcare system. Therefore, foot examination is necessary to prevent the possible foot problem. The objectives of this research was to examine the self foot examination practice among DM patients with, and without self-foot examination device. The participants were recruited from 34 DM patients, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son Province, by criteria sampling. First, the data of self-foot examination practice without the self-foot examination device was collected. After using the self-foot examination device, the clinical usability, and the usefulness toward the device were assessed.

The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and Wilcoxon Sign- Rank Test. The results showed the most of the patients were female (79.40%), the mean (SD) of age was 57.53 (8.71). The patients performed a foot examination by themselves (61.76%), of these groups, 55.89% had no the device to support the examination, and also used the small mirror as a device, in some cases. Hence, 38.24% had no performed a foot examination. The results shows were at a good level on the usefulness toward the self-foot examination device. The median of the clinical usability after the use of the device was statistically significantly higher than the median before clinical use in both convenient and effectiveness categories. Through the self-foot examination practice with the self-foot examination device was enhanced an attention on self-care of the foot. Nevertheless, long term outcome, and the opinion toward the device among healthcare provider needs to investigate.