Abstract
Aims: To survey foot conditions and foot self-care practices among healthy older adults and examine the challenges faced by nurses in promoting the widespread adoption of foot self-care in regional areas.
Methods: A search was performed using keywords including foot care, health education, and nursing education. A total of 15 original research articles published during the previous 10 years were obtained.
Results: Many older adults living in regional areas experienced foot-related issues. Some respondents were unable to recognize symptoms associated with foot lesions and related problems, whereas others reported previous experiences with falls. Despite practicing foot self-care, many older adults reported that they sometimes ignored symptoms. Foot self-care was considered burdensome, and habits related to foot self-care were not established.
Nurses felt that working in health education in regional areas was rewarding but challenging. When they explained the relationship between quality of life and foot health, older adults began to pay attention to the condition of their feet.
Discussion: In regional areas, it is necessary to establish places where learning can occur and support the activities of nurses in relation to ensuring foot health. We have created a training program for nurses to improve foot health in this setting.
