The Experiences of people in Northern Thailand living with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Authors

  • Saneh Khunkaew RN, MSc, PhD Candidate, School of Nursing University of Wollongong, Australia
  • Patraporn Tungpunkom RN, Dip. APMSN, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
  • Jenny Sim RN, BAppSc (Nursing), PhD, MACN, School of Nursing University of Wollongong, Australia
  • Ritin Fernandez RN, MN (Critical Care), PhD, Professor, School of Nursing University of Wollongong, Australia

Keywords:

Diabetic foot ulcer, Health related quality of life, Qualitative study, Self-care management, Wound care

Abstract

             Diabetic foot ulcers are a main cause of morbidity related to type 2 diabetes. Living with a diabetic foot ulcer has a significant impact on health-related quality of life and has a negative impact on daily living among people with the condition. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Thai adults living with diabetic foot ulcers using a descriptive qualitative design. Participants were recruited from the outpatient diabetes and foot clinic at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern Thailand from January to April 2017. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants using a semi-structured interview guide.

             Thematic analysis was used to identify the participants’ experiences and two themes were identified: 1) living with a diabetic foot ulcer and 2) managing a diabetic foot ulcer. The findings enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals and the public to understand the experience of having diabetic foot ulcers and contribute to understanding how to manage a diabetic foot ulcer based on the participant’s experiences in the Thai context. Nurses must provide knowledge and self-care skills as part of routine care to improve health-related quality of life for people with diabetic foot ulcers.

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Published

2018-09-28

How to Cite

1.
Khunkaew S, Tungpunkom P, Sim J, Fernandez R. The Experiences of people in Northern Thailand living with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. PRIJNR [Internet]. 2018 Sep. 28 [cited 2024 Dec. 19];22(4):304-18. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PRIJNR/article/view/105579