effect of applying two nursing strategies to elderly with risk for foot problem

ABSTRACT

Foot problems among elderly affect their dependence and quality of life. Foot care and health education to the elderly could contribute to decrease this problem. Thus, the aims of this study were to assess the feet condition of institutionalized elderly [n=130] to apply a nursing foot care program to a group of elderly identified with risks for foot problems [n=45] and a health education program to another matched group in order to practice self foot care and to compare the effectiveness of the two methods in reducing the foot problems. The study was carried out in two residential homes in Alexandria. An interview questionnaire sheet and foot screening form were used to collect the necessary data. The results revealed that foot problems are prevalent among elderly and a significant improvement in the elderly scores of risk for foot problems for all categories was found among those subjected to nursing care program, while slight improvement but with no significant difference was found among elderly who practiced self foot care. The study reflected that the need of assistance to the elderly who need help to perform foot care and health education alone is inadequate and preferably should be joined with provision care