Title: Barriers to supporting diabetic patients with lower limb amputation in Iran: A qualitative study

Biography:

Zahra Mokhtari is a PhD student of Nursing, Nursing Department, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran, Member of Iranian Diabetes Association.

Abstract

The phenomenon of diabetes as the bitterest disease in the world has many cultural backgrounds. Diabetic foot is the main cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations. Diabetes and its complications are a major health Concern in Iran. The current study was conducted to identify barriers impeding the provision of support for Diabetic patients with Lower limb amputation in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted on 16 Diabetic patients with Lower limb amputation, 3 nurses, two doctors and three of their family caregivers by conventional content analysis methodology. The subjects were selected through purposive sampling method, and data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the methods as described by Graneheim and Lundman. The research context included the general and specialized departments of the hospitals of Tehran, Iran, during 2017. The ethical principles of voluntariness, confidentiality, and anonymity were considered.  According to the results, Five main categories with 13 subcategories of 410 primary codes were extracted: Inefficient supportive patterns (such as Inefficient Supportive Patterns of Health Systems and Inefficient Supportive Patterns of families); Iranian lifestyle (such as Nutrition styles); burden of culture of diabetes (such as Stigma attached to identity); Defect in seeking support (such as Lack of motivation); Damaging Attitudes (such as damaging medicines). In Conclusion, a framework of organizational, family and personal cultural interventions are needed to improve Supportive Cultural Network in Iran. In addition, diabetes health managers should pay attention to the cultural background when they develop programs.