An Exploration Into the Challenges of Self-care Practice Among Diabetic Amputation Patients: A Phenomenological Study

Background: Diabetic amputee patients require lifelong care and maintenance services, making self-care a particularly important aspect for these patients. Unfortunately, the realization of this concept faces challenges that require more attention. This study explored the challenges of self-care practice among diabetic amputation patients. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with a Husserl’s descriptive phenomenological approach. The required data were collected at the Besat hospital in Hamadan, Iran, from August to October 2022. Semi-structured interviews were purposively conducted with 10 female and 7 male participants between the ages of 41–73. Eventually, the data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s method. Results: Four themes and fifteen sub-themes were extracted from the obtained data. The themes included the limiting nature of the disease, biological dependency, lack of a dedicated self-care model, and inhibiting psychological stresses. The sub-themes of the first theme were inhibiting movement limitations, need for vital care, phantom pain, risk of dangerous complications, and exhausting dietary restrictions. Those of biological dependency included the need for direct care, inability to assess one’s own needs, and importance of diet and medication., In addition, sub-themes related to the lack of a dedicated self-care model were lack of awareness, lack of self-care knowledge, and not being taught self-care methods in specific situations. The sub-themes of the fourth theme encompassed depression, despair, loss of motivation, and negative self-perception. Conclusion: By elucidating the various aspects of self-care challenges in diabetic amputee patients, it is possible to suggest necessary planning and successful self-care education to reduce the complications faced by patients, their families, and society.