Abstract
In order to alleviate diabetic foot problems, patients sometimes seek complementary therapies outside the professional context. This paper describes the use of complementary remedies as a topical treatment for diabetic foot ulcers among Jordanians. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse written responses of 68 patients with diabetes who have used complementary therapies to treat diabetic foot problems. These 68 persons represented a subgroup of the study population surveyed using a questionnaire, to the effect of investigating diabetic foot treatments provided in Jordan. Informants were recruited from eight healthcare facilities established in the southern part of Jordan plus from one hospital established in the Jordanian capital. The study was approved by the Boards of Ethics of the participating healthcare facilities. Content analysis yielded the category "Complementary Therapies Used", which included a range of household items (olive oil, sesame oil, honey, and vinegar), and also some indigenous Jordanian herbs (Wormwood, Myrrh, Caper, and Henna among others). The remedies were used either as a monotherapy or as mixtures, to the common goal of treating diabetic foot problems. Other interventions like Al-cowy were also sought from traditional healers. Educational campaigns are required to increase the awareness of patients and their families on possible hazards of unwise complementary therapy use. The decisions on the use of such therapies should be made in agreement with the attending healthcare professionals.
Highlights
Diabetic foot is a common complication of diabetes in which sensation in, and blood flow to, the lower limb are impaired, with skin dryness increasing the possibility for ulcers to develop
68 responses referring to topical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers were included into the final analysis
Our study focused on personal reports about complementary therapies used to treat diabetic foot problems, while the therapies reported in other studies were mainly those for treating diabetes on the whole (Otoom et al, 2006; Wazaifya et al, 2011)
Summary
Diabetic foot is a common complication of diabetes in which sensation in, and blood flow to, the lower limb are impaired, with skin dryness increasing the possibility for ulcers to develop Management of such ulcers is a primary concern of clinicians, patients and patients’ families due to often prolonged and costly treatments calling for extended follow-up periods. Patients may choose treatment options offered outside the professional context, known as complementary therapies This manuscript reports a study of complementary therapies used to treat diabetic foot ulcers in Jordan. People may find ways or seek therapies outside the conventional medicine so as to enhance their quality of life and improve their wellbeing Such therapies are classified as alternative, complementary or integrative medicine. Integrative medicine is a model incorporating both complementary and conventional medicine within the process of healthcare, whereas complementary and alternative approaches are therapies that patients seek beyond the treatment plan compiled within the conventional medicine context (Maizes et al, 2009)
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