Relationship between illness perception and self‐management behaviors among Chinese diabetic foot patients

Abstract

AbstractAimThe aims of the present study are to describe the status of self‐management behaviors and illness perception, and explore the relationship between illness perception and self‐management behaviors among Chinese diabetic foot patients.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted at the endocrinology department of a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China. Data were collected on illness perception, self‐management behaviors, and demographic and clinical characteristics over 9 months among 156 subjects. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsOnly 3.2% of participants maintained excellent self‐management behaviors. Additionally, the participants perceived diabetic foot as chronic and could be well controlled through treatment. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that illness perception was associated with self‐management behaviors.ConclusionsPatient illness perception is an important factor influencing self‐management behaviors. It may be helpful to improve self‐management behaviors by tailoring the content of the intervention to fit the patients' illness perceptions.