Zhu Wangqiao, Ma Xinling, Gu Yali, Liu Jia, Long Sulan, Lu Meijiao, Luo Guirong, Tang Feilin, Li Jianshuo, Wei Chunxuan
Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
J Prim Care Community Health. 2025 Jan-Dec;16:21501319251347877. doi: 10.1177/21501319251347877. Epub 2025 Jul 9.
Effective foot care is crucial for preventing diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). While previous studies have identified general determinants of foot care adherence, the unique challenges faced by ethnic minority communities in rural settings remain underexplored. This qualitative study aimed to explore determinants of foot care among individuals at high risk of DFU in an ethnic minority community in Southwest China.
Twenty participants from 4 local communities were recruited, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data from the interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.
Thematic analysis revealed 3 key themes: prioritization of personal health needs, historical cultural perception, and interaction within working and family contexts. Notably, misconceptions regarding the correlation between blood circulation and foot odor have diminished the perceived importance of foot care, while misunderstandings about food and nutrition indirectly impacted it. Foot hygiene practices are performed less consistently compared to handwashing in daily life.
This study provides novel insights into the specific determinants of foot care adherence among high-risk diabetic populations in a rural, ethnic minority setting. The findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions that address misconceptions, language barriers, and social dynamics to improve foot care practices and reduce the risk of DFU.
有效的足部护理对于预防糖尿病足溃疡（DFU）至关重要。虽然先前的研究已经确定了足部护理依从性的一般决定因素，但农村少数民族社区面临的独特挑战仍未得到充分探索。这项定性研究旨在探讨中国西南部一个少数民族社区中糖尿病足溃疡高危个体的足部护理决定因素。
招募了来自4个当地社区的20名参与者，并通过半结构化访谈收集数据。使用主题分析方法对访谈数据进行分析。
主题分析揭示了3个关键主题：个人健康需求的优先级、历史文化认知以及工作和家庭环境中的互动。值得注意的是，关于血液循环与脚臭之间相关性的误解降低了足部护理的重要性，而对食物和营养的误解则间接影响了足部护理。与日常生活中的洗手相比，足部卫生习惯的执行不太一致。
本研究为农村少数民族环境中高危糖尿病患者足部护理依从性的具体决定因素提供了新的见解。研究结果强调需要进行文化定制的干预措施，以解决误解、语言障碍和社会动态问题，从而改善足部护理实践并降低糖尿病足溃疡的风险。
