Foot self‐care behaviour in primary care patients with diabetic foot ulcers: Structural equation modelling of psychological predictors

• DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14897
• Publication Date: 2024-05-17T01:39:30Z
• Authors: Xiaoli Zhu; Eng Sing Lee; Frederick H. F. Chan; Phoebe X. H. Lim; Yee Chui Chen; Konstadina Griva
• Keywords: Foot care; Foot (prosody)

Abstract Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the most prevalent and costly diabetes complications, associated with diminished quality life poor prognosis. Management DFUs relies heavily on patients' self‐care behaviour. This study aims to explore psychological determinants this important behaviour among primary care patients. A total 186 patients active self‐reported their illness perception, distress, self‐efficacy, Structural equation modelling was performed examine interrelationships measured variables. The final model demonstrated satisfactory fit, CFI = 0.933, TLI 0.913, RMSEA 0.050, SRMR 0.073, χ 2 (95) 132.256 ( p 0.004), explained 51.1% variance self‐care. Illness threat perceptions (i.e., consequence, timeline, identity, concern, emotion) had a direct positive effect behaviours, but also indirectly decreased through increasing distress. Control personal control, treatment coherence) were not directly improved by reducing distress confidence. These findings suggest perceptions, confidence as modifiable predictors be targeted in self‐management interventions for DFUs.