Evaluation of diabetes patients' knowledge and practice levels about diabetic foot care

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetes is a very common public health problem. Diabetic foot is a complication of diabetes and can cause significant foot problems. Diabetic foot wounds are a significant problem with serious consequences for both patients and healthcare systems. Aim. Our aim in this research was to determine the knowledge and practice levels of diabetic patients regarding diabetic foot care. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in a cross-sectional descriptive design. Research data were collected from April 2022 to July 2022. The sample was diabetic patients (n=200). A form was used to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and their knowledge and practice levels regarding diabetic foot care. Results. Diabetic foot care knowledge level was found to be low in 60.5% of the patients. Additionally, it was determined that 62.5% of the patients had low diabetic foot application. A statistically significant difference was found between the patients' level of knowledge about diabetic foot and their gender, education level, profession, income, place of residence, and whether there is a health center or hospital close to where they live.A statistically significant difference was found between the patients' diabetic foot practice level and their level of education, profession and residence (p<0.05). Conclusion. It was observed that the level of knowledge and practice regarding diabetic foot was low in most of the patients. Diabetic patients should be informed about foot problems and treatments when they apply to hospitals.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• diabetes complications
• diabetic patient
• diabetic foot care
• knowledge