Knowledge regarding foot care in individuals with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes is a major problem worldwide. It is estimated that there will be 333 million people suffering from the condition by the year 2025 (Buttigieg, O'Donoghue & Townsend Rocchiccioli, 2005). Moreover, 15% are known to be at risk of developing a foot lesion (Evans & Chance, 2005), of whom 7 5% to 85% will go on to have an anlputation (Armstrong, Boulton., Lavery, Tredwell & Wunderlich, 2003). From these percentages, one may therefore realize the importance of foot care practices in patient knowledge and compliance to their foot care regime. The aim of this exploratory descriptive study was to gain an understanding of the level of knowledge that individuals with diabetes have regarding the care of their feet. The study's objectives therefore were to explore patients' knowledge in various foot care practices, including drying the feet well and caring for toenails and corns. Moreover, this study also set out to explore the patients' perceptions of the way they were being educated about foot care. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, but the study mainly consisted of qualitative data. This data was collected through interviews done with a convenience sample of patients with diabetes (n=12). This sample was chosen from the diabetic clinic in a local health center with a 100% response rate. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings obtained suggested that there was a substantial lack of knowledge in various areas of foot care, including foot checks, foot complications, corn care and appropriate footwear, while there is some amount of knowledge in oilier areas, like the way one should trim toe nails. Apart from this, findings also suggest that not enough specific information is being given to these individuals even though it was stated that nurses do give importance to teaching about these practices. One major limitation to this study is that only a conveniently selected small sample was involved. Recommendations for further education, including the mode of delivery of information, and for further research, including a larger sample, could therefore be presented.