Atividades de autocuidado com os pés em indivíduos com diabetes tipo II na atenção primária à saúde: estudo transversal

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze foot self-care activities carried out by individuals with type 2 diabetes followed in primary health care. This was a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, carried out between February 2023 and March 2024, in three primary health care units selected in a capital in the Northeast region. The sample comprised 84 users diagnosed with diabetes. Data were collected from an instrument with variables related to foot self-care. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. This research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, under opinion no. 5,693,345. It was found that 21.4% of the sample has or has had foot injuries and had dry skin (52.4%) and edema (17.9%) on the feet. The majority (78.6%) of users indicated that they know about self-care activities and are aware of what diabetic foot is about. In terms of foot self-care activities, 52.4% of respondents reported performing foot hygiene at least twice a day, but 21.4% reported that they do not dry their feet after bathing and 28.6% do not usually dry between your fingers. Non-use of closed shoes also presented a significant number (52%), followed by the prevalence of rounded nail cuts (72.6%). In short, it was possible to identify that the majority of self-care activities evaluated are carried out. However, some individuals showed some resistance to joining the activities and others were carried out incorrectly. In this regard, health education carried out by nurses has a fundamental role, being the great responsibility of Basic Health Units. Therefore, this study is of great relevance and can be used to develop actions in the community and to improve consultation of nursing.