Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and practices of foot self-care among diabetic patients attending different diabetic clinics in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic foot syndrome is a significant hurdle for the health-care profession, with substantial economic outcomes for diabetic patients, their families, and society, affecting the quality of care and quality of life. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess diabetic patients' knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding foot care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at various diabetic clinics in Najran, Saudi Arabia. All attending diabetic patients were subjects of the study. The investigators developed the survey instrument based on prior surveys and guidelines. The survey explored the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and evaluated attitudes toward diabetic patients and the level of knowledge of foot self-care practices. Results: The mean awareness score was 9.68 (standard deviation [SD]: 2.65) out of 16 points, with low, satisfactory, and high awareness scores identified in 28.7%, 60.6%, and 10.7% of patients, respectively. With regard to attitude, the mean score was 3.18 (SD: 1.55) out of 6 points, where, negative, neutral, and positive attitudes were found in 34.9%, 41.1%, and 23.9% of patients, respectively. The most commonly known risk factors of diabetes mellitus (DM) were neuropathy, followed by retinopathy. Antiglycemic control, duration of diabetes, and educational level were associated with neuropathy, retinopathy, vasculopathy, and foot deformity. On the other hand, uneducated patients, on monotherapy with insulin, with no diet plan, those with uncontrolled glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and with more than 10 years of DM significantly had poor awareness and negative attitude toward foot self-care. Conclusion: There were moderate awareness and attitudes concerning foot self-care among diabetic patients. Diabetic patients and physicians have an essential role to play in preventing diabetic foot syndrome. The health-care institutions should nurture diabetic patients with better knowledge and a positive attitude toward foot self-care.