Abstract

AN EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND SELF-CARE PRACTICES REGARDING DIABETIC FOOT ULCER AND FOOT CARE AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS

Khiangte Laldingliani, Preethi Guddada Nagaraja, Sahana Pushpa Srinivas*, Abhijit Kumar Dalal* Dharani Karanam Sai Sruthi, Yogananda Rajashekar

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Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia. Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant complication of diabetes, affecting about 34% of patients during their lifetime. Multiple factors influence their development; hence, the annual foot examination by healthcare professionals is crucial. Objectives: To assess the baseline KAP of diabetic patients regarding diabetic foot ulcer and foot care, provide structured education using a patient information leaflet, and compare with posttest results to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted among 159 study participants over a period of 6 months. Data were collected using the self-designed, pre-validated questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 29, with the results also being analysed in Microsoft Excel. Result: Among 159 diabetic patients, the majority are male with a mean age of 52.46 years. Pre- and post-test comparisons revealed a significant increase in knowledge and practice levels, with only 23.2% and 5.7% of participants having satisfactory practice before education, respectively, rising to 68% and 30.8% after structured education. Conclusion: Our study revealed that structured education significantly enhances knowledge and practices among participants, yet many still lack essential information on prevention. Hence, regular foot examinations by healthcare professionals are vital.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU), Foot care, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP).