An Examination of the Self-Efficacy and Factors Influencing Foot Care Behaviors in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract

The present descriptive study investigates the general and foot-care self-efficacy and the level of foot-care knowledge of 151 participants who presented to the internal medicine ward and diabetes nursing unit of a training and research hospital in Türkiye. The mean Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale score of the participants was 69.0 ± 15.0 (min: 20, max: 100), the mean Diabetic Foot Care Self-Efficacy Scale score was 56.2 ± 23.1 (min: 9, max: 90) and the mean Diabetes Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale score was 51.5 ± 13.6 (min: 15, max: 75). The total Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale, Diabetic Foot Care Self-Efficacy Scale and Diabetes Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale scores were noted to be higher in the participants who underwent regular health check-ups and used their medication regularly than in those who did not (p < 0.05). People with diabetes should be provided with counseling on the benefits of developing positive behaviors related to self-efficacy and foot self-care, and the prevention of wound development through education, support and the effective self-management of their condition.