The Role of Health Education in Preventing Incidents of Diabetic Ulcers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) increases globally every year, along with the increase in DM, the incidence of diabetic ulcers also increases. Education is an important pillar because it can increase health literacy, namely increasing knowledge and ability to manage self-care for DM sufferers. This study aims to determine the impact of health education on preventing diabetic ulcers in diabetes mellitus patients. This type of research is quasi-experimental and was designed using a pre and post test group design with an intervention group. The research was conducted for 9 months, the study population was 325 T2DM people in Pringsewu Regency. The total sample was 107 T2DM people and the sample was determined using a purposive sampling technique. The research results show that the determining factor for the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers is foot care activities, p-value = 0.000 with OR: 42.778. Evaluation at 36 weeks after intervention showed a decrease in signs of diabetic foot ulcers (86.0%). Conclusion; Health education can prevent the occurrence of diabetic ulcers in Diabetes mellitus. Suggestion: T2DM sufferers are advised to take proper foot care so that diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented.