Knowledge and Behaviors of Foot Care in Muslims With Diabetes Mellitus: Does Islamic Ritual Ablution Make a Difference?

Akça Doğan D., Efil S., Kalkan Uğurlu Y., Camci G. B.

Journal of Transcultural Nursing, vol.35, no.1, pp.21-29, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 35 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/10436596231209046
  • Journal Name: Journal of Transcultural Nursing
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.21-29
  • Keywords: behavior, diabetic foot, foot ulcer, Muslim, religious beliefs, type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the relationship between ablution ritual and foot knowledge, self-care behaviors, and the presence of diabetic foot ulcers in Muslims with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methodology: A descriptive, comparative method was utilized to identify ablution ritual and foot knowledge, self-care behaviors, and the presence of diabetic foot ulcers. Results: There were 228 persons with T2DM, with 162 participants (71.1%) in the ablution group and 66 participants (28.9%) in the no-ablution group, with 19.7% having diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot knowledge and foot self-care behaviors of persons with T2DM were below a medium level, and there was a significant difference between ablution behavior and the presence of diabetic foot ulcers (x2 =6.646, p<.05). Discussion: Culturally congruent interventions that acknowledge and understand the cultural practices and beliefs of Muslims with T2DM may be recommended to enhance their knowledge levels and promote positive behavior changes.