Beyond the wound: A scoping review of the psychosocial impact of diabetes‐related foot ulcers
Authors' conclusion
Psychosocial factors substantially influence emotional well-being, treatment adherence and wound healing in people living with DFUs. Integrating psychosocial assessment, tailored education and emotional support into standard care may improve outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Adults living with DFUs49 studies
- Outcome
- Emotional and psychosocial experiences of adults with DFUs
Methodological detailsArksey and O'Malley's six-stage framework, Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, PRISMA-ScR, Included studies: 28 cross-sectional, 13 qualitative, 5 prospective, 2 RCTs, 1 case study
- Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage framework
- Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines
- PRISMA-ScR
- Included studies: 28 cross-sectional, 13 qualitative, 5 prospective, 2 RCTs, 1 case study
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Heightened emotional distress and substantially reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL), largely due to physical limitations, challenges in diabetes self-management and fear of future complications
- Key psychosocial influences: low self-efficacy, feelings of powerlessness, loss of independence and perceived burdensomeness
- Disparities related to gender, socio-economic status and cultural background further shaped emotional outcomes and self-care behaviours
Original publication
Beyond the wound: A scoping review of the psychosocial impact of diabetes‐related foot ulcers. Diabet Med. Published 20 February 2026. doi:10.
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