AWARNESS REGARDING FOOT CARE AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE-II

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus patients have the great risk to undergo nontraumatic foot or leg amputations because they bear decreased circulation to the feet and also reduced sensation. This condition may cause ulcerations, infections, and delayed wound healing,that lead to amputations. Adequate knowledge and practices related to foot care will prove vital in the prevention of diabetic foot complications. Hence, this study is with the purpose to determine the level of knowledge and practices of foot care among diabetes mellitus patients attending a tertiary hospital at Jamshoro,Sindh,Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro for 3 months (February 2025  to April 2025). A pretested questionnaire was administered to 50 diabetes patients attending the hospital. A written informed consent was obtained from each participant. They were interviewed with a questionnaire consisting of 19 “yes” or “no” questions, each on foot care awarness and practice

 Results: The mean age of the study participants was 35.0 ± 19.0 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 12.57 ± 6.09 years. Majority, i.e., 36 (71.2%) participants showed satisfactory level of awarness and 37 (72.57%) showed satisfactory practice. Only <15 (28.8%) had poor level of awarness,<14 (27.43%) had poor practice about diabetic foot care.

 Conclusions: The low level of knowledge and practice in patients with diabetes regarding foot care has animmense need of educational program to increase awareness related to foot complications of diabetes,so as they could be motivated to incorporate in foot care practices in their daily routine.