Effectiveness of a Digital Health Education on Self-Foot Care and Quality of Life Among Patients With Diabetes

Diabetes is a significant global health concern, affecting over half a billion people and leading to severe complications like diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The increasing incidence of DFUs highlights the need for ongoing research and effective prevention strategies. A major challenge in managing DFUs is the inadequate preparation of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in delivering comprehensive diabetes self-management education (DSME). Enhancing the education and training of HCPs is essential to improve diabetes management and reduce DFUs. Studies show that patients' knowledge and self-care practices vary widely, with common foot-care activities including washing, drying, applying moisturizer, and routine nail care. Improving these self-care practices is crucial for early recognition and management of DFUs to reduce the risk of amputations. Health promotion models such as the Self-Efficacy Theory and Health Belief Model have shown promise in informing foot care interventions, but further research is needed to determine the most effective strategies. Previous research has several limitations, including selection bias, lack of consensus on outcome measures, and moderate risk of bias in some studies. The proposed study will use an experimental design with a nonequivalent control group to assess the effectiveness of DSME in reducing non-ulcerated diabetic foot incidents. Data will be collected using the Diabetes Self-Care Activities Foot Care Questionnaire and analyzed with statistical tests. Ethical guidelines will be strictly followed, ensuring participant confidentiality and voluntary participation. Overall, this research aims to address gaps in diabetes education and promote behavioral changes to improve diabetes care and reduce DFUs. Continuous training and education for HCPs are vital for enhancing their competence in managing DFUs and improving patient outcomes.

NCT Number	NCT06538168
Lead Sponsor	Universiti Putra Malaysia Collaborators: University of Lahore
Conditions	Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Enrollment	2,430 participants
Start Date	2024-07-30
Primary Completion	2025-05-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-06-25 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2024-08-05