Thi Phuong Lan Nguyen1, Helen Edwards2, Thi Ngoc Diep Do3, Kathleen Finlayson4. 1. School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Viet Nam. Electronic address: nguyenthiphuonglan84@gmail.com. 2. Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia. 3. Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Viet Nam. 4. School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
Abstract
AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of a theory-based foot care education intervention program (3STEPFUN) for people with type 2 diabetes at low risk of developing a foot ulcer. METHODS: A controlled, pre-test/ post-test quasi-experimental design was used. From 119 participants, 60 participants in the control group receivedusual care and a foot care brochure. Those in the intervention group received (1) a small group intensive education and hands-on skills session; (2) a foot care kit and documents; and (3) three regular booster follow-up phone calls over 6 months. Generalised Estimating Equations models were undertaken to examine the impact of the intervention on outcomes over time. RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly improved outcomes compared to the control group over 6 months in the following aspects: improved preventive foot care behaviour (p = 0.001); and decreased prevalence of foot risk factors for ulceration (i.e. dry skin, corns/ callus) (OR: 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.13, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings provide evidence of 3STEPFUN on improving foot self-care behaviour and preventing minor foot problems. Further study with formal RCT design and longer follow-up time to examine the effects on decreasing foot ulcer incidence is recommended. Crown
RCT Entities:
AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of a theory-based foot care education intervention program (3STEPFUN) for people with type 2 diabetes at low risk of developing a foot ulcer. METHODS: A controlled, pre-test/ post-test quasi-experimental design was used. From 119 participants, 60 participants in the control group received usual care and a foot care brochure. Those in the intervention group received (1) a small group intensive education and hands-on skills session; (2) a foot care kit and documents; and (3) three regular booster follow-up phone calls over 6 months. Generalised Estimating Equations models were undertaken to examine the impact of the intervention on outcomes over time. RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly improved outcomes compared to the control group over 6 months in the following aspects: improved preventive foot care behaviour (p = 0.001); and decreased prevalence of foot risk factors for ulceration (i.e. dry skin, corns/ callus) (OR: 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.13, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings provide evidence of 3STEPFUN on improving foot self-care behaviour and preventing minor foot problems. Further study with formal RCT design and longer follow-up time to examine the effects on decreasing foot ulcer incidence is recommended. Crown