Web-based Diabetic Foot Care Training Prepared With the Health Belief Model for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Diabetes Mellitus (DM), insulin secretion, insulin action or this It is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia caused by a defect in both of these factors.

It is an important public health problem that causes organ and function losses due to the complications it creates, negatively affects the life span and quality, and creates a social and economic burden.Diabetic foot, known as an important complication of DM, is an important problem in that it causes deterioration in the quality of life of the patient, frequent and long-term hospitalizations, serious increase in the cost of treatment, lower extremity amputations and increased mortality. As a result of the literature review, it was assumed that the level of knowledge about diabetic foot care could affect diabetic foot care behaviors, self-efficacy and possible diabetic foot complications. In addition to conventional information, a Web-based education based on a health belief model can create awareness in individuals and minimize the risk of diabetic foot ulceration or amputation. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of web-based diabetic foot care training prepared according to SIM on the knowledge levels, self-efficacy and care behaviors of individuals with diabetes.

Materials and Methods: This is a randomized controlled experimental study. The research consists of all individuals who are followed up with the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (1008 people) registered in the Tusba Family Health Center no. Power analysis method was used to determine the sample size of the study. In the power analysis using Cohen's standard effect sizes, it was determined that 128 people, 64 in each group, should be reached in order to reach 80% power at 0.5% effect size, 0.05% margin of error level and 0.95% confidence interval. However, considering that sample loss may occur in the study, 10% more of the calculated sample will be included in the randomization process. In this case, it was determined that a total of 142 people, 71 people in each group, should be reached. In the study, Introductory Information Form, Foot Care Behavior Scale, Diabetic Foot Care Self-Efficacy Scale and Diabetic Foot Information Scale, four materials will be used.The data obtained in this study will be analyzed using the SPSS statistical program (SPSS-22).

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at least 1 year ago,
• Be between the ages of 18-65,
• Ability to use computer or smartphone,
• With internet access,
• Literate,
• Not having attended training on diabetic foot care,
• Has no disability in answering questions physically, cognitively or spiritually,
• Willingness to participate in research.

Exclusion criteria

• Those with a diabetic foot ulcer or amputation,
• Hospitalization in inpatient treatment institutions due to DM or DM complications during the research process,
• Patients with foot deformities (such as overlapping toes),
• Moving to another city during the research process,
• The emergence of any health problem that prevents the person from continuing the research,
• Leaving the research voluntarily.