“It is a constant battle”: A qualitative study of the lived experience of individuals with diabetic foot ulcer and post‐healing challenges in primary care
Authors' conclusion
This study highlights the persistent psychosocial and behavioural challenges faced by individuals with DFU and PHIR, underscoring the need for autonomy-supportive and empowerment-focused interventions to reshape perceptions of DFU, alleviate emotional distress and enhance adherence to self care.
Study context
- Population
- Primary care patients with active diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) or post-healing in remission (PHIR), Singapore, April–July 2022
- Participants
- 27 patients
- Comparison
- Active DFU vs PHIR
- Active DFUn = 15
- PHIRn = 12
- Outcome
- Lived experience of DFU across stages (active DFU and PHIR)
Methodological detailsin-depth interviews, thematic analysis
- In-depth interviews
- Thematic analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Overarching notion: 'a cyclical lifelong illness threat alongside a vicious foot cycle', reflected in three key themes
- Making Sense of DFU: varied perceptions, from misattributing in DFU management to a constant battle, an unavoidable terminal disease (active DFU) or a wake-up call (PHIR)
- Emotional Consequences: significant psychological burden, with emotional exhaustion leading to self care burnout, chronic anxiety and persistent fear of recurrence
- Behavioural Challenges: self management as a constant struggle to maintain self care routines, often with ambivalence towards long-term adherence
Original publication
“It is a constant battle”: A qualitative study of the lived experience of individuals with diabetic foot ulcer and post‐healing challenges in primary care. Diabet Med. Published 17 July 2025. doi:10.
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