Nurses’ Roles in Promoting Health Literacy and foot care behavior in patients with diabetes

Abstract

       Chronic complications of diabetes are degeneration of arteries, especially that of the peripheral arteries in the feet. Additionally, the peripheral nerve also deteriorates. This causes foot deformations and foot ulcers, leading to toes, feet, or legs amputations at last. Regular and proper foot care can reduce foot ulcers and amputation problems. To take good care of the feet, patients with diabetes have to possess good knowledge of foot care. This is important to help preventing foot ulcers and their recurrence. Health literacy in foot care occurs when patients with diabetes receive foot care information and communication while comprehending this information and self-care procedures. This can lead to their decision in taking care of their feet. Therefore, patients with diabetes possessing health knowledge in proper foot care will be able to perform self-care activities by themselves. Nurses who are healthcare workers taking care of patients with diabetes can implement this practice to improve the health literacy in foot care for them. Proper foot care behavior and encouragement will lead to sustainability for their health behaviour while decreasing their dependency.