Knowledge, Practice and Barriers of Foot Self-Care among Diabetic Patients at Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt

Abstract

Background : Diabetes related foot disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality indiabetic patients. Interventions to reduce the burden of diabetic foot disease are highly costeffective. An estimated 15% of patients with diabetes develop foot ulcer. Good knowledgeand practice regarding diabetic foot care will reduce the risk of diabetic foot complicationsand ultimately amputation. Objective: This study is conducted to assess patients’ knowledge,practice and barriers of foot self-care among diabetic patients attending Tanta UniversityHospitals. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016, included 264diabetic patients attending outpatients clinics at Tanta University hospitals. Data wascollected through interviewing patients using a questionnaire based on recommendations ofthe American Diabetes Association. Results: 42.0% of the participants were males and 58.0%were females. Half of them had good knowledge level (51%), while (62.2%) had inadequateself-foot care practice. There was a significant association between level of education with thelevel of diabetic foot care knowledge and practice. Poor communication between patients andhealth care providers (54.7%) and lack of adequate knowledge (50.2%) were the mostreported barriers. Conclusion: The overall practice score of studied patients, was inadequateand they were not adequately caring for their feet in spite of their good knowledge.