Type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot ulcers: an exploration of the health-related quality of life, diabetes knowledge and foot self-care management in Thailand

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) among the Thai population is rapidly increasing. Further, the evidence in the literature suggests that people who live with T2DM and DFUs have a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Knowledge about diabetes and self-care management are key factors that contribute to the HRQOL of those affected. However, there is limited literature within the Thai context relating to HRQOL or knowledge about diabetes and self-care management among people with T2DM with and without DFUs. The aims of this thesis were to: 1) investigate the HRQOL among Thai adults with T2DM with and without DFUs, 2) investigate the knowledge of diabetes among Thai adults with T2DM with and without DFUs, 3) understand self-care management knowledge and practices among Thai adults with T2DM and DFUs and 4) explore the experiences of Thai adults living with DFUs to obtain a better understanding of their experiences.