Foot care behaviors and perceived exercise benefits and barriers in diabetic hemodialysis patients.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine foot care behaviors, perceived benefits and barriers to exercise, and the relationships between these factors among diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Major findings: This study included 151 adults with type 2 diabetes receiving hemodialysis in Istanbul. Data were collected using the Foot Care Behavior Scale, the Diabetic Foot Care Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale for Dialysis Patients. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation analyses, and linear regression were conducted. Higher education and health literacy were associated with improved foot care behaviors and greater perceived benefits of exercise. Fatigue, comorbidities, and lack of knowledge were identified as major barriers to exercise. Regression analysis showed that gender, age, albumin level, and exercise status significantly influenced perceived benefits and barriers.

Conclusions: Nursing interventions should focus on patient education, strengthening self-efficacy, and providing individualized exercise guidance to improve outcomes among diabetic hemodialysis patients. These findings highlight the critical role of nurses in promoting self-care behaviors and physical activity among diabetic hemodialysis patients.