Risk Perception Intervention for High-Risk Diabetic Foot

This study aims to evaluate the effect of health education based on information framing effects on foot ulcer risk perception in patients at high risk of diabetic foot.

Study Design:

A randomized controlled trial with three groups:

Experimental Group 1 (Gain-Framed): Participants received a benefit framing message that emphasized the benefits of standardized foot care in reducing the likelihood and severity of foot ulcers, with an aim to reshape patients' perception of risk.

Experimental Group 2 (Loss-Framed):Participants received a loss frame message that emphasized that neglecting foot care would increase the likelihood and severity of foot ulcers. The message was designed to awaken patients' awareness of crisis and risk perception.

Control Group (Routine Messaging):Participants received the usual content of care in the endocrinology department without a specific framework.

Participants:

Diabetic foot patients at high risk from experimental group 1, experimental group 2, and control group 3. Inclusion criteria included adults with a diagnosis of diabetic foot at high risk.

Intervention:

The Total Study Period consisted of an intervention phase and a follow-up phase. The intervention phase started at the time of enrollment and lasted until the fourth week after discharge. The follow-up period lasted for 3 months. Data on local indicators were collected at baseline/before the intervention (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1), 1 month after the intervention (T2) and 3 months after the intervention (T3).

Outcome Measures:

Primary Outcomes:

Foot ulcer risk perception: Assessed using The Tripartite Model of Risk Perception Scale.

Secondary Outcomes:

Foot care behavior score: Assessed using The Nottingham Foot Care Assessment Scale; Self-efficacy: Assessed using The Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale; Intention to delay seeking medical help score:Assessed using the Questionnaire on Intention to Delay Seeking Medical Care for Patients with High-Risk Diabetic Foot; the incidence/recurrence rate of foot ulcers, and various laboratory indicators.