Foot Care Knowledge and Practice among Diabetic Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Jeddah City

Abstract

Diabetics' knowledge and awareness on foot care are usually associated with less foot complications and better diabetic foot condition. A cross-sectional study to assess patients' foot care knowledge and practice was designed. A questionnaire to assess foot care knowledge and practices, and other related variables was conveyed through interviewing 747 diabetic patients in 7 representative primary health care centers in Jeddah city. A lower level of foot care knowledge than the optimum was noticed, particularly in daily observation to detect ulcers, and the selection of footware suitable for diabetic patients. The weakness was encountered in the foot care practices such as using mirror for foot checkup and practices related to foot-ware. The practice score was significantly lower in patients with lower educational level. About two-thirds (66.5%) of the patients reported having one or more diabetic complications and 45.4% reported peripheral neuropathy. Findings indicate the need for starting a well organized and structured educational program designed for foot care in diabetics. Hence, an improved and better continuous program of periodic screens in high risk patients as to prevent diabetic foot problems and complications.

Diabetic Foot Care: Knowledge and Practice

“…Many other studies showed the presence of inadequate knowledge of self-foot-care in diabetic patients [18,19]. In Saudi Arabia, a group of studies highlighted a lower level of foot care knowledge than the optimum [13,20]. All researchers indicated the need for foot care education programs and improving the way of delivering it.…”

Foot Care Practices And Knowledge Among The Hospitalized Diabetic Older Adult In The Teaching Hospital, Kuala Lumpur

“…Most researchers expressed the need for foot care education programs and improve the way of delivering it. Some inadequacies of foot care practice in our subjects include also non-inspection of the inside of their footwear and wearing shoes without socks 12,14 . The contrast between the studies is maybe due to differences in comprehensive prevention programs which include proper screening, education, and concentration on high-risk feet between UKMMC and other countries.…”

“…Indeed, the practice score was significantly lower in patients with lower educational level. In addition, there is a significant relationship between the low level of knowledge on foot care and the reduction in exercise practices among the elderly 14 . Out of concern, older adults either man or women are more prone to foot ulcers with diabetes duration than the history of diabetes over 16 years compared with those with less than 15 years 7,11 .…”

“…The researchers found that some of older adult knew about the care of callosities, minor injuries or cuts. Meanwhile, a study in Jeddah, found that the median score of the knowledge aspect in foot practice for elderly age 60 years old and above is between 6 over 10, which were the lowest compared to other categories of age 14 . On top of that, half of the older adults did not know about the techniques of cutting toenails properly and footwear during outdoor activities only 12 .…”

“…On top of that, half of the older adults did not know about the techniques of cutting toenails properly and footwear during outdoor activities only 12 . In fact, they still use a shoe made of hard materials, high-heeled and not constantly practice wearing a full covered shoes 12,14,19 .…”