Diabetic Foot Care: Knowledge and Practices among Diabetic Patients Attending a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution

Abstract

Background: Foot complications are common among diabetic patients. The study aims at determining the knowledge and practices of foot care among diabetic patients attending a tertiary health institution in southern Nigeria.

Method: The study was descriptive cross sectional conducted in November, 2015. A pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was the study instrument.

Results: Out of 158 respondents, 75 (47.5%) were females, the modal age range was 50 - 59 years, 61.4% were married, 89.9% were Christians and over 70% had a minimum of secondary education. Awareness of diabetic foot was 80.4%) and Health care workers (77.2%) were their main source of information. Foot ulcer (69.3%) was the most common foot problem known but 35.4% knew at least one cause of diabetic foot. Methods of prevention include: proper feeding (40.1%), daily foot examination (19.7%) and use of appropriate foot wear (14.9%). Most, (91.1%) were positively disposed to regular foot examination and over 70% believe this should be done daily. Almost 82% practice regular foot examination but 13.2% do so daily.  Only 19% regularly cut their nails straight with a safety clipper and a trained family member (50.6%) is responsible for nail cutting. Almost 62% reports any new wound on the feet immediately to the doctor and 50.6% use cotton or wool stockings. Most use sturdy and comfortable shoes (79.1%) which is regularly examined before use (83.5%) and38% always light the pathways used at night.   

Conclusion: Knowledge of diabetic foot care was fair, attitude was good but practices were suboptimal.