Impact of foot health behavior among ethnic minority populations: A cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract

Objective To analyze the impact of the foot health and health behavior and the characteristics of outdoor footwear among minority ethnic groups.

Design and measures A cross-sectional study design using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire: foot pain, foot function, shoe, general foot health, general health, physical activity, social capacity, and vigor. Outcomes included the self-reported type of outdoor footwear and clinical characteristics by sex were collected in 2019–2020.

Sample A total of 78 Roma participants self-identified as members of this ethnic minority and 72 participants non-Roma were assessed (n = 150).

Results The lower score values was recorded in the footwear and general foot health domains in Roma population. General population obtained higher scores in general health domains. The most common outdoor footwear types were running shoes and walking shoes in non-Roma population, versus flip flops and slippers in Roma population. Clinical characteristics did not show any statistically significant differences (p < .05).

Conclusion Roma people wear flip flops and slippers and non-Roma people running shoes and walking shoes. These findings reveal cultural differences that make it easier for the Roma population to experience a greater burden of foot health problems. General foot health and foot pain dimensions show statistically significant differences among ethnicity.