Health Education In The Self Care Process Of The Chronic Wounds Healing Of The Diabetic Foot

ABSTRACT

Purpose/Objectives: The increase in life expectancy in recent years is closely related to scientific advances in health area. Thus, longevity led to a greater emergence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM). In this scenario, chronic wounds represent a serious public health problem. It is estimated that 85% of lower extremity amputations in individuals with DM are related to the presence of foot ulcers. The perception of changes in the skin, such as deformities, superficial traumas and cracks, is impaired in diabetics due to loss of sensitivity, predisposing the appearance of wounds. Ulcers and other injuries can be prevented through simple measures, such as regular skin inspection, specialized care and the use of adequate footwear;as the greater understanding of self-care, the greater the benefits of treatment. In this sense, Primary Care is an effective mean of assisting such individuals, as health education actions can be carried out for this population, their families and caregivers, with a view of promoting health. In addition, the health education process must take place in parallel with medication and dressings, which are essential, especially the latter, given the specificity of the product and the level of tissue regeneration. The primary objective of this study is to present the educational activities developed by the Extension Project Physiotherapy in the Community of the State University of Paraíba in partnership with the research project Tissue Engineering in Epithelial Repair Biodegradable Scaffold for Tissue Regeneration, which is developing chitosan/Jatropha mollissima scaffolds, in the Laboratory of Evaluation and Development of Biomaterials from the Northeast of the Federal University of Campina Grande. Methodology: The participants consisted of users of Basic Health Units (BHU) in the city of Campina Grande/Paraiba/Brazil. The educational material on Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Wound Care was produced from documents such as articles, guidelines and booklets. The CANVA application was used to create the images and infographics, to facilitate the understanding of the participants, and it was sent along with an explanatory audio. The disclosure took place on the public profile on Instagram @fisionacomunidadeuepb and also through the WhatsApp application for the diabetic elderly who participate in the project, in addition to face-to-face meetings at BHU, to clarify doubts at previously scheduled times and with a limited number of people due to the covid 19 pandemic. Results: The results included a greater understanding of the process of illness and wound development, as well as awareness of the importance of adherence to treatment and care in the use of dressings, especially. According to the records, the participation in the means used was intense, which suggests that these people will also be multipliers in the health education process. Conclusion/Significance: It is concluded that health education strategies, even at the time of a pandemic, are useful in the process of correct information dissemination, helping the most vulnerable population to understand their disease and, at the same time, help them in self care and responsibility, thus facilitating the intervention used by the health and engineering team.