Effectiveness of Peer Support on Foot Self-Care Practices among Diabetic Patients in Western Kenya

Context: The global burden of diabetes is steadily rising with a parallel increase in related complications. Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes need assistance in learning, mastering, and sustaining complex self-care practices that support healthy living and prevent the development of complications. Peer support is an effective and cost-friendly intervention in the self-management of chronic health conditions to not only enhance self-care practices among diabetic patients but also prevent complications. Despite numerous literature showing evidence that peer support has benefits if implemented, its effectiveness on foot self-care practices among diabetic patients remains variable with very few studies documenting its use. Aim: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of peer support on foot self-care practices among diabetic patients in Western Kenya. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group post-test-only study. The intervention involved peer support in addition to standard treatment compared to standard treatment only in the control group. The study population was diabetic patients attending clinics in tiers five and six hospitals in Western Kenya. The sample size was calculated using the Charan and Biswas formula, and 58 participants per study site, totaling 116 individuals participated. Participants were conveniently sampled into the intervention and control groups. Data was collected using researcher-administered structured questionnaires while foot self-care practices were assessed using the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare Questionnaire (NAFF). Results: The intervention group showed significantly higher mean foot care practice scores of 61.1 compared to the mean of 35.7 in the control group (F=444.7, p<.001) with a substantial partial Eta2 of 0.84. Level of education, employment status, positive attitude towards foot care, and self-evaluation significantly influenced foot self-care practices. Conclusion: Peer support significantly enhances foot self-care practices among diabetic patients, potentially preventing diabetic foot complications. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended to integrate peer support programs into diabetes care settings to improve foot self-care practices.