Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of foot care in people with type 2 diabetes. We carried out a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was completed by 148 patients with type 2 diabetes in Tehran, Iran. Knowledge score was calculated and the current practice was determined. The mean knowledge score was 6.6 (standard deviation ±3.0) out of a possible 16. Illiterate patients were the least knowledgeable (P = 0.008). Lack of adequate knowledge includes the following: 56% not aware of the effect of smoking on the circulation to the feet, 60% failed to inspect their feet and 42% did not know to trim their toenails. High risk practices including use of irritants to water (66.5%) and walking barefoot (62%). The results of this study highlight the patients' inadequate knowledge of self-care about their foot and lack of optimal podiatry service in Iran. These findings have implications for further evaluation, planning and management of patient care in diabetic foot disease.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 298-302 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | International Wound Journal |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2007 |
Keywords
- Diabetes
- Foot care
- Iran
- Knowledge
- Practice
