Introduction:

The increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus has led to public health consequences. Several individuals with diabetes lose sensitivity and may present foot deformities, resulting in diabetic foot. Knowing about self-care deficits can allow for planning healthcare in the management of diabetic foot and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Objective:

To identify, from the scientific literature, the main selfcare deficits present in elderly people with diabetic foot ulcers, based on Orem’s self-care deficit theory.

Materials and methods:

This is an integrative review study. The search for studies was performed in January 2022, using the descriptors “diabetic foot”, “self-care,” and “aged.” The following virtual library and databases were used: BVS, Lilacs, Medline and BDEnf via PubMed. The adaptation of the Prisma flowchart was used. A synthesis of the articles was performed with the description of the main results and self-care deficits according to Orem’s self-care theory.

Results:

Socioeconomic conditions, skin characteristics, activities, leisure and rest, diet, neurological conditions, and lack of knowledge about the need for therapeutic support and treatment were the main factors related to self-care deficits.

Conclusion:

The scientific evidence generated provides a foundation for carrying out new studies on the theme, as well as assisting in decision-making by nurses to adopt measures that assist in the self-care of this population group, in addition to guiding this population regarding the necessary care.

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