Profile of Patients with Diabetes Taking Self Foot Care: Data from a Rural Teaching Hospital

Objective: To find the frequency of patients with diabetes, taking proper self-foot care according to standard international practice guidelines and its result on foot health. Methods: This cross sectional study was done in Department of Medicine at a rural teaching hospital included 100 patients with diabetes. Patients were probed for their foot care practices and those practicing more than 60% of American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for foot care were labelled as practicing "Proper foot care". Foot examination was also performed and examination findings were compared with foot care practices. Results: The mean age of eligible patients was 51.5+10.7 years. Only six (6%) patients were found to be following recommended foot care practices. Statistically significant correlations found between fungal foot infections and foot drying practices, proper foot hygiene & frequent foot washing and, in growing toe nails and improper nail trimming. Use of inappropriate footwear was associated with corns, callosities and ingrowing toe nails. It also showed that good foot care practice was associated with foot care education. Conclusion: The study found that limited numbers of patients with diabetes were following appropriate foot care in accordance to the ADA Guidelines. High risk behaviours were usual which could cause serious, but preventable, foot complications. Keyword: Diabetes, Diabetes education, Foot care, Prevention, Ulceration. Access this article online Quick Response Code: Website: www.innovativepublication.com

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