NURSES' PERCEPTION OF SELF-CARE IN THE HEALING PROCESS OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC FOOT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF IMPERATRIZ - MA

Abstract

This study addresses nurses’ perceptions of self-care in the healing process of patients with diabetic foot in the municipality of Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil. The general objective was to analyze the perception of Primary Health Care nurses regarding the self-care of patients with diabetic foot and its relationship with the healing process. This is a descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach, carried out through field research. The sample consisted of 57 nurses working in primary health care and emergency services. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, with calculation of absolute and relative frequencies. The results showed a predominance of female participants, corresponding to 82.5% of the sample. Regarding the factors considered determinant for diabetic foot healing, glycemic control was the most frequently mentioned, with 42.1%, followed by adherence to self-care practices, with 29.8%. The main barriers to adherence to self-care were socioeconomic conditions, reported by 42.1% of participants, and low educational level, mentioned by 38.6%. Continuous longitudinal follow-up was identified as the main facilitator of adherence to self-care, with 57.9%. It was also observed that 86.0% of nurses address foot self-care in all consultations and that 80.7% indicated health education as the predominant practice in care. It is concluded that nurses recognize self-care as an essential element in the healing process of diabetic foot, highlighting the importance of health education, continuous follow-up, patient autonomy, and the adaptation of guidelines to the social reality of individuals.