Knowledge and Practice regarding Foot Self-care Behaviour among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is characterized by multiple long-term complications that affect almost every system in the body. Foot ulcers are one of the main complications of diabetes mellitus. Foot care has been found to be effective in reducing the risk of neuropathy, foot ulcers, and infections. Aim of the Study: To assess the knowledge and practice regarding foot self-care behaviour among patients with diabetes mellitus with a view to prepare an information booklet on foot care in diabetes mellitus. Methodology: A quantitative approach non-experimental descriptive exploratory research design was used for the study. 30 samples from selected hospitals in Kottakkal were selected by the non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were assessed using socio-demographic proforma. Data were analyzed and interpreted by descriptive and inferential statistics. Data collection tools were questionnaires, checklists, and interviews. Result and Conclusion: The analysis revealed that 50% of patients were having excellent knowledge and the remaining 50% of patients have a very good knowledge regarding foot self-care behaviour. 76.7% of patients were practicing average foot self-care behaviour, 13.3% of patients were practicing poor foot self-care behaviour, and the remaining 10% were practicing very good foot self-care behaviour using a checklist. 83.4% of patients were practicing very good foot self-care behaviour, 13.3% of practicing excellent foot self-care behaviour, and the remaining 3.3% of patients were practicing average foot self-care behaviour by using interviews. There is a significant association between knowledge regarding foot self-care behaviour among diabetes mellitus patients with selected socio-demographic variables such as gender, educational status, and family history. There is a significant association between practice regarding foot self-care behaviour among diabetes mellitus patients with selected socio-demographic variables such as gender, monthly income, family history, BMI, and type of anti-diabetic medication by using checklist and association between practice regarding foot self-care behaviour among patients with diabetes mellitus with a selected socio-demographic variable such as educational status, FBS, and foot skin texture by using the interview. There is a correlation between the knowledge and practice regarding foot self-care behaviour among patients with diabetes mellitus as the correlation coefficient is 0.82 which indicates a strong positive correlation.