Abstract

Dr. Mohammad Ahmad, Dr. Muhammad Bahawalzeb and Dr. Hamna Javaid*

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus is multifaceted disease and foot ulceration is one of its common complication. Diabetic foot ulcer is estimated to effect 15% to 25% of people with diabetes at some time in their lives and it precedes 25% to 90% of all amputations. Objective: to determine the knowledge and practices regarding foot care among diabetic with the aim of identifying and addressing barriers to prevent amputation and other complications. Material and methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at public diabetic clinic in Nishtar Hospital Multan. A sample of 150 patients were chosen using non probability convenient sampling in the duration of one month. A questionnaire which included demographic details, knowledge and practice of functional foot care was administered. Data was compiled in SPSS V20 software and later analyzed in Community Medicine department, Nishtar Medical University. Results: out of total of 150 diabetic patients studied, 91 patients (60.66%) had good knowledge regarding prevention of diabetic foot while total of only 55 patients (36.66%) were found to have a good level of practice. Poor educational status and long duration of diabetes was significantly associated with poor knowledge and poor practice of functional foot care. 125 (83.33%) diabetics knew the importance of taking anti diabetic drugs to prevent complications. 91 patients (60%) knew the Importance of keeping feet dry to avoid foot complications. 34(22%) knew the warning signs regarding diabetic foot to consult the doctor. Regarding practices, 78(52%) patients inspected their feet and toes regularly. 101(93%) washed their feet regularly. 54 (36%) trimmed their nails in time properly. 68(45%) had a habit of walking bare foot. 64(42.66%) inspected the inside of the shoes they wore. 52(34.66%) wore shoes with socks. Conclusion: Result demonstrate satisfactory knowledge on diabetic foot care but practices of preventive techniques are highly unsatisfactory. The study has highlighted the gap in knowledge and practice of foot care in diabetes mellitus patient. The majority of the patients participating in the study did not have higher education and were of low socioeconomic status. Very few people knew the warning signs regarding diabetic foot to consult the doctor. Practices of proper timely trimming of nails, regular inspection of feet, wearing socks were found to be very poor. However regular feet washing and knowledge of the importance of taking anti diabetic drugs as preventive measure was satisfactory.