Nurse-Led Interventions for Managing HPV-Related Infections in Type 2 Diabetes: Addressing Immune Risk and Socioeconomic Disparities
Dr. AbdulKareem Hamzah Shannoon
Abstract
Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with impaired immune function, heightening susceptibility to viral infections such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly plantar warts. Despite this risk, HPV-related skin conditions are under-recognized in diabetes care. This study investigates the impact of nurse-led interventions, education, routine screening, and community outreach, on managing HPV-related infections in T2DM patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 T2DM patients aged 40–75 years between January 2020 and February 2021. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. A complementary meta-analysis of 10 peer-reviewed studies published from 2010 to 2023 assessed the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in glycaemic control and infection management, using metrics such as HbA1c reduction, foot care adherence, and ulcer prevention. Results: Plantar warts were observed in 14.18% of patients, with higher prevalence among those aged 60–69 (43%) and those with obesity (28%). Nurse-led education programs improved infection prevention practices, especially in high-risk groups. Screening revealed comorbidity associations: 78.31% had hypertension, and 42.55% had a family history of diabetes. The meta-analysis showed significant improvements in HbA1c (e.g., Cho & Kim, 2021: -0.55, p < 0.001), foot care behavior, and early detection accuracy (e.g., Oh et al., 2022: AUC = 0.717, p = 0.011). However, socio-economic disparities persisted, with 23% residing in underserved rural areas and 13% in low-income brackets. Discussion: Nurse-led interventions significantly improve early detection, infection prevention, and patient self-care among T2DM patients, particularly when tailored to demographic and comorbidity profiles. Mobile clinics and community outreach reduced barriers, but structural inequities in rural and low-income groups remain a challenge. Conclusion: Integrating nurse-led education and screening protocols into routine diabetes care enhances the management of HPV-related infections. Addressing socio-economic disparities through targeted outreach is essential for equitable healthcare delivery and improved patient outcomes.