Effectiveness of a theory-based foot care education program on self-efficacy and adaptation in patients with diabetes in Turkey: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Persons with diabetes often face significant foot problems due to inadequate foot care, and foot care training programs could be beneficial for these patients.

PURPOSE To examine the effects of diabetic foot care training on self-efficacy and adaptation based on Social Cognitive Theory and the Roy Adaptation Model.

METHODS In this randomized controlled study, 80 patients treated in the endocrine polyclinic of an education and research hospital in İzmir, Turkey, were randomized to intervention (n = 40) or control (n = 40). The intervention group received diabetic foot care training at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Using a diabetic foot model, foot care training was given on diabetic foot care practices; in addition, a foot care training booklet prepared by the researchers was provided. Foot care behaviors, self-efficacy, and adaptation were reevaluated after the training and education. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months in both groups.

RESULTS Diabetic foot care training and telephone follow-up were effective in improving foot care behaviors and facilitating the coping and adaptation process of individuals with diabetes, as well as in increasing their self-efficacy regarding foot care.

CONCLUSIONS When providing theory-based diabetic foot education, the use of visual materials along with verbal instruction as well as telephone follow-ups to evaluate training effectiveness increases patients' self-efficacy and adaptation.