Knowledge and Practices of Diabetic Patients Regarding Foot Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

Robina Mushtaq; Khola Waheed; Musarat Ramzan; Shezadi Sabah Imran; Sadia Nadeem; Saleh Ahmed

doi:10.37185/LnS.1.1.819

Robina Mushtaq Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Khola Waheed Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Musarat Ramzan Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Shezadi Sabah Imran Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Sadia Nadeem Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Saleh Ahmed Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.819

Keywords: Awareness, Diabetes Mellitus, Foot Care, Knowledge, Practice

Abstract

Objective: To determine the knowledge & practices of diabetic patients about foot care.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Hospital, Wah
Cantt, Pakistan from 1^st June 2024 to 15^th August 2024.
Methods: A total of 178 patients were included by by purposive sampling. Data was collected on closed-ended
questionnaires. Data was analyzed by SPSS 23. Scores for knowledge and practice were assigned out of a total of 10. Knowledge and practice were categorized as good (> 8), average (5-8), and poor (< 5). Chi-square test of
significance was applied to find out the relationship among categorical data at P < 0.05.
Results: Out of 178 males, 97 (54.5%) were while females were 81 (44.5%). 61 (34.3%), 64 (36%), and 53 (29.8%)
had duration of DM less than 5 years, 5-10 years, and more than 10 years, respectively. 80 people (44.9%) were
having normal HbA1c during last 6 months while 98 (55.1%) people were having high HbA1c during last 6
months. Knowledge of 36 (20%) patients was good, 74 (42%) average, and 68 (38%) poor. Practice of 14 (8%)
patients was good, 95 (53%) average, and 69 (39%) poor. The knowledge of foot care was higher among males
(P-value 0.016), patients having higher education (P-value 0.000), and having normal HbA1c levels (P-value
0.041). The practice of foot care was better in subjects having higher educational status (P-value 0.014) and in
patients having normal HbA1c levels during the last 6 months (P-value 0.029).
Conclusion: The knowledge and practice of foot care among diabetics were found to be average. Targeted
health education interventions are needed to promote proper foot care and prevent complications.

How to cite this: Mushtaq R, Waheed K, Ramzan M, Imran SS, Nadeem S, Ahmed S. Knowledge and Practices of Diabetic Patients Regarding Foot Care: A Cross-Sectional Study. Life and Science. 2025; 6(4): 561-568. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.819