Self-Care Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Diabetic Foot Patients: A Cross-Sectional Research

Abstract

Background: Foot self-care is a critical aspect of maintaining and upgrading foot health. Notably, foot problems are markedly more common in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic people and are anticipated to grow worldwide by 2030. However, appropriate foot care can help preserve foot health and prevent foot problems. Aim of the study: This study aimed to identify the level of self-care knowledge, attitude, and practice among diabetic foot patients in Ismailia city. Subjects and Methods: Research design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. This study was conducted at medical-surgical wards at Ismailia General Hospital in Ismailia city from February to May 2022. Subjects: A convenience sample of eighty-four patients was recruited for the study. Tools of data collection: Utilized a semi-structured interview questionnaire to assess the level of self-care (Knowledge, attitude, and practice) among diabetic foot patients. Results: According to the results of the present study, most of the studied patients (56%) were male. More than one-third of the studied patients had a moderate level of knowledge. Less than half had a good attitude. Moreover, less than two-quarters of the studied patients had a moderate level of practice in diabetic foot self-care. There was significant correlation between the studied patients’ levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice, with p values≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Our study showed that most of the participants had moderate knowledge, good attitude, and moderate practice levels toward diabetic foot self-care. However, there are no available guidelines or/and training sessions regarding diabetic foot self-care. Recommendations: There is a pressing need to establish and motivate coordinated foot care services to provide continuous foot care education to patients to increase their level of self-care practice and attitude. Constant endorsement of brochures and electronic videos regarding diabetic foot self-care. Multidisciplinary research studies should focus on large probability samples for further assessment of patients and generalization of the study.