Assessment of the Knowledge and Quality of the Practice of Proper Foot Care in Iranian Patients With Type ۲ Diabetes

Background: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a high rate of complications. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) leads to significant morbidity. However, DFU can be prevented and managed through foot care education for patients. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice routines of patients with type ۲ diabetes (T۲DM) regarding foot care. Methods: A questionnaire was designed to obtain patients’ demographic data, evaluate their risk for a foot ulcer, and assess their level of knowledge and practice about daily foot care. After confirming the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, ۲۰۰ T۲DM patients were interviewed. Results: The mean age was ۶۱.۱±۱۱.۷ years, and ۶۴% were males. Forty-five percent of patients were previously educated regarding foot care. More than ۵۰% of patients answered questions correctly. Calculations demonstrated the mean score of knowledge and practice as ۶.۳±۲ (out of ۱۱) and ۱۴.۲±۳.۴ (out of ۲۰), respectively. There was no correlation between the patient’s age, gender, or history of previous DFU and their knowledge and practice level. However, patients’ higher level of education or employment status was associated with a higher level of knowledge and practice than their other respective groups. Conclusion: In this study, patients had a medium to low level of foot care knowledge and a medium to a high level of daily foot care practice. However, these results also emphasize the importance of the need for organized and structured educational programs for diabetic patients regarding diabetic foot care.

Keywords:

Diabetic foot , Self-care , Type ۲ diabetes mellitus