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Socio-Cultural Aspects of Diabetic Foot: An Ethnographic Study and an Integrated Model Proposal

Author

Listed:
  • Davide Costa

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Gallelli

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

  • Enrica Scalise

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

  • Nicola Ielapi

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Umberto Marcello Bracale

    (Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Public Health, University Federico II of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy)

  • Raffaele Serra

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an ongoing and growing health problem worldwide, with a series of important complications such as diabetic foot that can significatively reduce the quality of life of affected patients. This study aims to explore the socio-cultural aspects of patients with diabetic foot, analyzing the following research question: “What are the socio-cultural aspects experienced by patients with diabetic foot?” Methods: A qualitative design using an ethnographic approach was applied to study the social and cultural aspects of Italian diabetic foot patients. Results: We included 20 key informants: 13 men and 7 women. Ages ranged from 54 to 71, with an average age of 61.2. The data analysis revealed five main themes: perceptions of diabetic foot, living with diabetic foot, impacts of culture and economic performance, barriers to health and diabetic foot, and home remedies and alternative medicine. Conclusions: This study provides a new perspective on the influence of cultural factors on the health of diabetic foot patients, showing various factors related to a lack of knowledge and training, fear, and acceptance of diabetic foot. This study also presents a new integrated model which will allow patients and practitioners to act on the various critical issues that emerged from our research.

Suggested Citation

  • Davide Costa & Giuseppe Gallelli & Enrica Scalise & Nicola Ielapi & Umberto Marcello Bracale & Raffaele Serra, 2024. "Socio-Cultural Aspects of Diabetic Foot: An Ethnographic Study and an Integrated Model Proposal," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:14:y:2024:i:11:p:240-:d:1523801
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meng-Chien Tsai & Hsiao-Ling Chuang & Cheng-Yi Huang & Shu-Hsin Lee & Wen-Chun Liao & Meng-Chih Lee & Ching-Pyng Kuo, 2021. "Exploring the Relationship of Health Beliefs and Self-Care Behaviors Related to Diabetic Foot Ulcers of Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-9, July.
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