Identification of Effort and Issues in the Prevention of Diabetic Foot in the Community: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot is one of chronic complications that can cause significant issue on diabetes mellitus patient. In addition to contributing to mortality and morbidity rate, this disease also increases the family as well as national health economy burdens. Therefore, preventive efforts are necessary to decrease the risk of diabetic foot. In this case, intervention model in preventing diabetic foot is known to focus more on diabetes mellitus patients and healthcare service provider. Objective: Current research aims to identify the determinant of the efforts and issues in the prevention of diabetic foot in the community. Method: This research applied qualitative method through focus group discussion and indepth interview with 19 informants selected through purposive sampling, including the holder of Public Health Center programs, cadre, diabetes mellitus patients, and family. Data obtained through record were further transcribed and analyzed thematically. Result: There are several themes produced, including the education of foot care, cadre empowerment, role of cadre, strategy of cadre empowerment, knowledge, perception, self-efficacy, as well as patient and family strengthening. Conclusion: Diabetic foot preventive efforts focuses on the education of foot care and cadre empowerment in the community. Meanwhile, the issues discovered include the lack of knowledge, perception, efficacy and behavior in taking care of foot on diabetes mellitus patients. Hence, further study is needed in designing proper intervention strategy to prevent diabetic foot in the community. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic foot prevention