Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF FOOT CARE IN PATIENTS OF DIABETES FOOT

K. B. Jain*, S. K. Gupta, Pratap Shankar, Dheeraj Singh, Sachin Tutu, Preet Lakhani, Amod Kumar, R. K. Dixit

Abstract

Background: Diabetes currently affects about 200 million people globally and is expected to reach 333 million by 2025. Diabetic foot ulcer is a result of microvascular and neuropathic complications in diabetics. People with poor knowledge and practice regarding diabetic foot care are known to have a higher incidence of diabetic foot ulcers and ultimately leading to lower limb amputation. Aim and objectives: the study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among the diabetic patients regarding foot care. It can lead to the early appearance of chronic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, coronary artery disease, cerebro-vascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. Material and methods: Present study is a cross sectional observational study. 150 participants were enrolled for the study after following inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were assessed on the basis of a well designed questionnaire that consisted of fifteen questions regarding knowledge and practices of foot care. It was classified as good, satisfactory and poor depending upon the scores. Result: Among 150 participants 54.7 % were females, 142 patients (94.7 %) aged ≥ 30 years. 67.3 % patients were rural dwellers. Positive family history of diabetes was found in 68% of patients. Out of all, 32 % patients had good knowledge about foot care while only 16 % were practicing it. 27.3 % were lacking the satisfactory knowledge about foot care. Conclusion: The overall rate of adequate knowledge regarding diabetic foot care among participants was unsatisfactory. Daily foot care is essential for preventing complications of diabetic neuropathy and vascular insufficiency. Stringent and continuous efforts are required to improve KAP of diabetic patients about diabetic foot care.

Keywords: Diabetes, knowledge, practice, diabetic foot, education, motivation.