Education and Mobile Reminder Program for Foot Self-Care in Type 2 Diabetes

Overview

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with systemic, acute and chronic complications whose prevalence is increasing all over the world and in our country (Satman et al. 2013). The prevalence of diabetes all over the world and in Turkey is increasing day by day and this situation is becoming an important public health problem (Aytemur and Vardar İnkaya 2022). Diabetic foot is an important complication that causes organ loss, affects individuals mentally, physically, socially and economically, and requires frequent hospitalization and surgical intervention (Danmusa et al. 2016, Kalaycı et al. 2020). In the prevention of diabetes, it is necessary to raise awareness and gain healthy lifestyle behaviors. This study aims to increase foot self-care behaviors, diabetes management self-efficacy and quality of life of individuals with type 2 diabetes with the education program and reminder mobile applications.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including diabetic foot complications that may lead to infection, ulceration, and amputation. Effective foot self-care behaviors are essential to prevent these complications. However, many individuals with T2DM demonstrate insufficient knowledge and adherence to recommended self-care practices. This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured education program combined with mobile reminder messages on foot self-care behaviors, diabetes management self-efficacy, and quality of life in individuals with T2DM. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received a structured diabetes foot care education program and regular reminder messages delivered through mobile communication. The control group received standard care according to routine clinical practice. Data were collected at baseline and during follow-up assessments. The primary outcome measure was foot self-care behavior. Secondary outcomes included diabetes management self-efficacy and quality of life. Validated measurement tools were used for all assessments. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of education and mobile reminder interventions in improving self-care behaviors and preventing diabetes-related foot complications.