Language and other factors associated with foot self-management among Puerto Ricans with diabetes in New York City.

D aily self-inspection of feet for sores and irritations is an essential and cost-effective diabetes self-management practice to prevent foot complications (1,2). It is relatively easy to perform and does not require equipment or supplies, yet nearly 40% of people with diabetes in New York state do not practice daily foot inspection, and Hispanics are the least likely to do so (3). Puerto Ricans are the largest Hispanic group in the state and have a markedly high prevalence of diabetes (4,5). Studies have found that Puerto Ricans show poor overall selfmanagement of diabetes (6,7) and suffer from a high prevalence of foot complications (8–10). Poor English skills are often identified as a major reason for their suboptimal self-care practice (11,12), but some studies concluded that language may not be a barrier (13,14). The present study examines factors associated with Puerto Ricans’ daily foot self-inspection practice using population-based survey data.