Assessment of diabetes acceptance and compliance with therapeutic recommendations in a patient with diabetes foot

Introduction
The formation and development of diabetic foot syndrome depend on the patient and are manifested in adherence to therapeutic recommendations. Knowledge of determinants that increase the adherence of patients with diabetic foot may enable planning and implementing proper education and minimise the negative consequences associated with hospitalisation and expensive treatment. The aim of the study was to find factors influencing the adherence and acceptance of illness in patients with a diabetic foot.

Material and methods
The survey-based study involved 54 patients of the surgery clinic and surgery department diagnosed with diabetic foot syndrome. Research was performed using the Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and an author-constructed questionnaire.

Results
There was a significant statistical correlation between adherence to therapeutic recommendations and sociodemographic variables (education, place of residence, marital status) and medical variables (visits in the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic), as well as the degree of acceptance of the disease.

Conclusions
Comprehensive education should include, in particular, patients with primary and vocational education, who are lonely and living in the countryside. Patients should be encouraged to visit a Diabetes Outpatient Clinic. Better acceptance of the disease does not correlate with better compliance with therapeutic recommendations; adherence should be monitored regardless of the level of acceptance of the disease.