Illness Perception as a Predictor of Foot Care Behavior Among People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Indonesia

Introduction: Illness perception may contribute to foot care behavior because people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indonesia may have different beliefs that influence their foot care behaviors. This study aimed to determine the relationships among foot care knowledge, illness perception, local beliefs, and foot care behaviors in people with T2DM in Indonesia. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 200 people with T2DM from the Outpatient Department of Islamic Hospital. The Foot Care Knowledge, Brief Illness Perception, Local Beliefs, and Foot Self-Care Behavior questionnaires were administered. Results: The predictors of foot care were having a family member or friend with diabetic foot ulcer (p = .001), diabetes mellitus duration (p = .026), foot care knowledge (p < .001), consequences (p < .001), treatment control (p < .001), and local beliefs (p = .017). Discussion: Health care providers may cultivate a spiritual approach, providing success stories to create positive images of the disease’s outcomes and increase patients’ confidence to control the disease