Abstract

Dr. Ayesha Hanif, Dr. Amna Razzaq and Dr. Amna Akbar*

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus is multifarious illness and foot ulceration is one among its common complication. Diabetic foot lesion is calculable to impact 15 to 25th of individuals with diabetes at some time in their lives and it precedes 25% to 90% of all amputations. Objective: Good knowledge and practice regarding diabetic foot care will reduce the risk of diabetic foot complications and ultimately amputation. This study is conducted to assess patients’ knowledge and compliance of diabetic foot care. Material and methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at public diabetic clinic in Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital. A sample of 150 patients were chosen using nonprobability 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, Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital. Results: out of total of 300 diabetic patients studied, 182 patients (60.66%) had good knowledge regarding prevention of diabetic foot while total of only 110 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. 250 (83.33%) diabetics knew the importance of taking anti diabetic drugs to prevent complications. 68 (22%) knew the warning signs regarding diabetic foot to consult the doctor. 182 patients (60.66%) knew the Importance of keeping feet dry to avoid foot complications. Regarding practices, 156 (52%) patients inspected their feet and toes regularly. 202 (67.3%) washed their feet regularly. 108 (36%) trimmed their nails in time properly. 136 (45%) had a habit of walking bare foot. 128 (42.66%) inspected the inside of the shoes they wore. 104 (34.66%) wore shoes with socks. Conclusion: Result demonstrate satisfactory data on diabetic foot care however practices of preventive techniques are extremely unsatisfying. The study has highlighted the gap in data and observe of foot care in DM patient. The majority of the patients collaborating in the study didn't have higher education and were of low socioeconomic standing. Only a few individuals knew the warning signs concerning diabetic foot to consult the doctor. Practices of correct timely trimming of nails, regular review of feet, carrying socks were found to be terribly poor. But regular feet washing and knowledge of the importance of taking anti diabetic medicine as safety measure was satisfactory.