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Research

278 - Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Individuals with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Location: Hall E

    Primary Poster Author(s)

  • Adile Savsar, PhD (she/her/hers)

    Lecturer
    Izmir University of Economics
    izmir ekonomi üniversitesi, Izmir, Turkey

    • Co-Author(s)

  • ES

    Emine Sezgünsay, n/a

    Asst. Prof. İzmir University of Economics Faculty of Health Sciences/Department of Nursing
    Izmir University of Economics
    izmir ekonomi üniversitesi, Izmir, Turkey

  • KK

    Kazım Kıratlı

    Doctor
    Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital Hatay Service Building Infection Clinic
    izmir, Izmir, Turkey

  • Filiz Öğce Aktaş, RN, PhD (she/her/hers)

    Dean
    Izmir University of Economics
    izmir, Izmir, Turkey

  • AA

    Ahmed Mohamed Ali Orey, n/a

    Doctor
    Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital Hatay Service Building Infection Clinic
    som, Izmir, Turkey

Disclosure(s):
Kazım Kıratlı, n/a: No financial relationships to disclose
Filiz Öğce Aktaş, RN, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose


Description: The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapy and Influencing Factors in Individuals with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: The Case of Turkey and Somalia

Aim: This study aims to determine the use of complementary and alternative medicine therapy among patients visiting the infectious diseases outpatient clinic for diabetic foot ulcers in Turkey and Somalia. Additionally, the study examines the methods of complementary and alternative medicine therapy used by individuals, their reasons for using it, perceived benefits, and demographic characteristics.
Material and

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 124 individuals with diabetic foot ulcers in the infectious diseases' outpatient clinics in Somalia and Turkey between September 2023 and June 2024. Research data were collected using the Patient Information Form created by the researchers. Descriptive statistical methods were used for data analysis, while the determinants of patients' use of complementary and alternative medicine therapy were evaluated through logistic regression analysis.

Results: It was found that 67.3% (n=37) of individuals from Turkey, with an average age of 59.20±10.48 years, used at least one complementary and alternative medicine method. In Somalia, where participants had an average age of 59.16±14.63 years, this rate was 98.6% (n=68). The most commonly used method in Turkey was nutritional support (n=16), while in Somalia, it was prayer (n=65). In both countries, patients reported that the most common reason for using these treatment methods was to promote wound healing.

Conclusions: Patients with diabetic foot ulcers use complementary and alternative medicine therapies either before starting medical treatment or while their treatment is ongoing. Clinicians, especially those caring for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, should include inquiries about the use of these methods in their routine evaluations, be aware of the potential harms, and guide patients appropriately.
Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine, diabetic foot ulcers, wound care