Effect of the Participatory Learning Program on Foot Ulcer Prevention Among Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetic Persons in Community

Abstract

The prevalence of foot ulceration in diabetic patients is increasing. However, proper self-care by diabetic patients can prevent foot ulceration in uncontrolled diabetic persons. This quasi-experimental study with two group pretest - posttest design aimed to examine the effect of the participatory learning program on foot ulcer prevention among uncontrolled type 2 diabetic persons in a community. Fifty-two type-2 uncontrolled diabetic patients in Saraphi District were recruited for the study; 26 attended participatory learning while the other 26 received traditional suggestions from public health officials. Two types of tools were used in the study: 1) experimental tools consisting of a research tool entailing a participatory learning program on preventing foot ulceration in type-2 uncontrolled diabetic patients, a prevention manual, and a foot care manual for diabetic patients according to preventive and therapeutic practices for those with foot complications, and 2) a data collection tool comprised of questionnaires assessing general information about diabetic patients, knowledge of the prevention of foot ulceration in type-2 diabetic patients, and the prevention of foot ulceration in these patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-Square Test, and the Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed-Ranks Test, as well as the Mann–Whitney U test, depending on the characteristics of data. The result of this study showed that: The knowledge and practice scores regarding prevention of foot ulceration in type-2 uncontrolled diabetic patients were significantly higher after attending the participatory learning than before (p < .001 and p = .006 respectively). The knowledge and practice scores were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .001 and p = .005, respectively). The results show that the developed participatory learning program for the prevention of foot ulceration in type-2 uncontrolled diabetic patients in community made participants more knowledgeable and gave them a better understanding of how to prevent foot ulceration.