Knowledge On Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention And Management Among Diabetic Patients Admitted In A Tertiary Care Hospital

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18344527

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, can impair insulin production or action, with diabetic foot complications posing a major health risk. This study at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore, assessed patients’ knowledge of and adherence to foot care routines.

Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional design, 150 participants were recruited via convenient sampling. Data were analyzed with SPSS Version 23.

Results: Of participants, 69 were male (46%) and 81 female (54%), with 51% aged 58–67. A substantial portion exhibited inadequate knowledge and poor foot-care practices. Age was negatively associated with awareness scores (r = -0.353, p < 0.01), while age and gender (r = -0.040, p = 0.626) and gender and awareness (r = -0.032, p = 0.699) showed no significant relationships. Notably, inadequate knowledge and poor foot care were more frequent in females (81%) than males (46%). Other findings suggested distributions in etiologies (insulin insufficiency/dysfunction 28.7%; hyperinsulinemia 47.3%; hypoglycemia 15.3%; dyslipidemia 8.7%) and varied self-care behaviors, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Foot-care awareness of risks to kidney, eye, heart, vascular, and foot health stood at 33.3%. Dietary patterns indicated 31.3% high-fat intake and 30% fruit consumption.

Conclusion: Overall, knowledge and foot-care practices were inadequate, with greater deficits among women. Targeted, culturally tailored educational interventions are warranted to enhance knowledge and self-care behaviors and reduce diabetic foot complications.