Perceptions and experiences of patients living with type 2 diabetes on diabetic foot complications: a research grant proposal for a qualitative study

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is currently one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The disease prevalence and significance are on the rise, due to evolving lifestyle changes that result in reduced physical activity and increased obesity among the population. Data from WHO indicates that the number of individuals living with diabetes has increased from over 108 million in the year 1980 to over 422 million in 2014. Of the many complications of diabetes, Diabetic Foot Complications (DFC) have proved to be a concerning public health problem. It is one of the most distressing complications of diabetes that, not only worsens the patient’s condition, but also has a tremendous socioeconomic impact on the patient. Globally, a lower limb is lost every 30 seconds due to the consequence of this complication. Studies that focus on the epidemiology, costs and other aspects of DFC are extremely rare in the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries. In the Republic of Armenia, diabetes and its related adverse effects are a growing public health concern. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that by the year 2030, every tenth person in Armenia will be affected by diabetes. The intention of the proposed study is to contribute to the data available on DFC in Armenia by exploring the perceptions and experiences about DFC and everyday foot self-care practices among patients diagnosed with diabetes type-2 living with active DFC and residing in the Republic of Armenia. The study findings will be shared with physicians and specialists to help them to get a better understanding of the situation and to apply more effective approaches for counseling and management of patients with DFC. As the proposed study is exploratory in its nature, it will employ a qualitative approach with utilization of face-to-face, in-depth interviews. The study instrument was constructed based on prior similar studies conducted in the UK, Ghana and Bangladesh. The instrument covers specific areas such as knowledge, foot self-care, access to services, financial costs, quality of life and expectations from treatment. Convenience sampling will be used to select the study participants. The study participants will be selected among patients diagnosed with type-2 diabetes with current DFC, living in the Republic of Armenia and registered in one or two chosen medical centers from each of the 11 provinces (Yerevan city and 10 marzes) in Armenia. A team of two personnel who will be trained in qualitative research methods will conduct the study. While both the personnel will be involved in conducting the interviews and data analysis processes, one of them will also carry out the responsibilities of the project manager. With 12 to 15 interviews being the recommended number of interviews before saturation is reached, 22 interviews will be conducted to ensure maximum data collection. Data analysis will be carried out via thematic content analysis methods. This study proposal was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the American University of Armenia. The total estimated budget of the proposed study is 1,390,958AMD. The study is designed to be conducted within a duration of 2 months. This grant proposal will be submitted to Everyone’s Learning Center – Male’, Maldives.