Effect of Digital-Supported Foot Care Education in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes

The Effect of Digital-Supported Foot Care Education on Knowledge, Self-Care Behavior, and Self-Efficacy in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of digital-supported foot care education on foot care knowledge, self-care behaviors, and self-efficacy in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A total of 90 participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=45) or a control group (n=45). Participants in the intervention group will receive structured foot care education supported by videos and visual materials accessible through QR codes, together with hands-on training using a diabetic foot model. Participants in the control group will receive standard care. Foot care knowledge, self-care behaviors, and foot care self-efficacy will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether digital-supported foot care education is effective in improving these outcomes among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus according to ICD-10 criteria for at least 6 months.
• Age 18 years or older.
• Stable general health condition.
• No condition that would prevent communication or understanding of the education, including severe cognitive, hearing, or speech impairment.
• Ability to communicate in Turkish and sufficient cognitive ability to understand the education.
• Voluntary participation and provision of written informed consent.
• Ability to access video and visual educational materials via QR codes either independently or with the assistance of a relative/caregiver.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous participation in a structured diabetic foot care education program.
• Presence of an active diabetic foot ulcer or a history of amputation.
• Presence of a serious neurological or orthopedic condition, other than diabetes-related conditions, that may directly affect foot care.
• Anticipated inability to regularly participate in the planned education and follow-up procedures.
• Presence of an acute complication of diabetes requiring emergency clinical intervention.