Physical Body Self-Concept and Foot Care Self-Efficacy in Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is the most common reason for non-traumatic lower limb amputation, which is most costly. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body self-concept and foot care self-efficacy with diabetic foot ulcer.

Method and Materials:

 In this cross-sectional study 450 diabetic patients including 225 patients with foot ulcer and 225 patients without foot ulcer were selected randomly and assessed. Participants were asked to complete demographic questionnaire as well as two self – report questionnaires of   Foot Care Self-efficacy (FCSE) and Body Self-Concept (BSC) questionnaires. Data were analyzed through descriptive/analytical tests by SPSS version 24.  

Totally, 450 diabetic patients with and without foot ulcer (225 participants in each group) were assessed. The mean scores of FCSE of patients with and without foot ulcer were 29.24±6.65 and 47.52±11.01 respectively which was significantly different (P<0.001).   Moreover, these scores of body self-concept of patients with and without foot ulcer were 60.24±8.60 and 84.36±11.41respectively which was different significantly (P<0.001).

This study verified diabetic patients who suffering from foot ulcer had lower beliefs regarding foot care self- efficacy and body self-concept. Therefore, practicing with these patients to improve their self-efficacy and self –concept is strongly recommended.