Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Eurasian Journal of Family Medicine, cilt.14, sa.2, ss.39-49, 2025 (Scopus)
Aim: Diabetic foot disease is a serious complication of diabetes, often resulting in significant morbidity, including ulceration and amputation. Health literacy, which influences patients’ ability to understand and act on health information, is critical in the self-management of diabetic foot disease. This study aims to assess the relationship between health literacy and diabetic foot knowledge, attitudes, and self-care behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the diabetic foot clinic of a tertiary hospital from July 2022 to January 2023. A total of 203 adult patients with diabetic foot were surveyed using the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32, the Diabetic Foot Knowledge Scale, and the Foot Care Behavior Scale. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the influence of health literacy on diabetic foot knowledge, self-care behaviors, and ulcer severity (Wagner stages). Results: Of the participants, 77.8% had inadequate health literacy. Higher educational level positively correlated with health literacy scores, while age had a negative impact. Health literacy was significantly associated with diabetic foot knowledge and foot care behavior scores. Additionally, low health literacy was correlated with advanced Wagner ulcer stages, indicating poorer ulcer outcomes. Conclusion: Health literacy is strongly associated with diabetic foot knowledge and self-care behaviors, underscoring its role in effective management and complication prevention. Targeted educational interventions to enhance health literacy in diabetic foot patients could improve self-care practices and reduce the risk of severe foot complications.