A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
The prevalence of foot health problems in people living with a rheumatic condition: a cross-sectional observational epidemiological study
Authors: Stolt Minna, Laitinen Anne-Marie, Kankaanpää Katja, Katajisto Jouko, Cherry Lindsey
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Rheumatology International
Journal name in source: RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
Journal acronym: RHEUMATOL INT
Number of pages: 9
ISSN: 0172-8172
eISSN: 1437-160X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-022-05236-8
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-022-05236-8
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/177325200
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of foot health problems in people living with any rheumatic condition and explore potential associations with exposure variables. A cross-sectional observational epidemiological design was applied. The participants were recruited from one regional patient association in southwest Finland. The data were collected in January-February 2019 and included the Self-reported Foot Health Assessment Instrument (S-FHAI) and demographic questions. In total, 495 responses were obtained. Overall, participants had many foot problems. The point prevalence of self-reported foot problems was 99 per 100 people living with a rheumatic condition. The most prevalent problems were foot pain (73%), dry soles (68%), thickened toenails (58%) and cold feet (57%). Lower educational attainment, increased amount of daily standing and accessing medical or nursing care for foot problems were associated with poorer foot health. The results reveal a high frequency of foot pain among people with rheumatic conditions. The study highlighted the importance of person-centred care and the biological focus that underpins and impacts foot health (what we understand, what we do, and our health-seeking behaviour). Interventions to promote biopsychosocial approaches to personalised foot care could advance people's readiness, knowledge and skill to care for their own feet.
Keywords:
foot health, Foot pain, Rheumatic conditions, self-care
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