Assessment of knowledge and quality of practice of proper foot care in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes

Background: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a high rate of complications. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), leading to significant morbidity. However, DFU can be prevented and managed through education of patient foot care. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice routines of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) regarding foot care. Methods: A questionnaire was designed to obtain patients' demographic data, evaluate their risk for a foot ulcer and assess their level of knowledge and practice about daily foot care. After confirming the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, 200 T2DM patients were interviewed. Results: The mean age was 61.1 ± 11.7 years, and 64% were males. Forty five percent of patients were previously educated in foot care. More than 50% of patients answered questions correctly. Calculations demonstrated the mean score knowledge and practice as 6.3 ± 2 (out of 11) and 14.2 ± 3.4 (out of 20). There was no correlation between patients' age, gender, or history of previous DFU and their knowledge and practice level. However, patients' higher level of education or employment status was associated with a higher level of knowledge and practice than their other respective groups. Conclusion: in this study patients had a medium to low level of foot care knowledge and a medium to high level of daily foot care practice. However, these results also emphasize the importance of the need for organized and structured educational programs for diabetic patients regarding diabetic foot care.