Empowerment of Diabetic Clients with Knowledge on Foot Care Management

Abstract

Diabetic foot lesions are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other complication of diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations, with approximately 5% of diabetics developing foot ulcers each year and 1% requiring amputation. Diabetic foot ulcers, occur as a result of various factors, such as mechanical changes in conformation of the bony architecture of the foot, peripheral neuropathy, and atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease, all of which occur with higher frequency and intensity in the diabetic population. Diabetic foot ulcers are a marker of far more serious underlying co-morbidities that often represent a precursor to infection, amputation, and death. Objectives: To assess the baseline knowledge of diabetic patients about diabetic foot ulcer and to educate them about foot care after making a risk assessment. Methods:The study was descriptive in nature and was undertaken in the Diabetic clinic at outpatient Department of PSG Hospitals, Coimbatore. Fifty subjects diagnosed with Diabetes who is on treatment without foot ulcer was selected for the study by using purposive sampling technique. Results: Highest percentages (86%) of patients were diagnosed as type II diabetes mellitus. Out of this 66 percent of patients were on regular treatment and 20% were not on regular treatment. 36% of patients were having cracks in their foot and 64 percent of patients were not. Less than half of the patients (44%) having awareness of foot care. Distribution of diabetic patients according to their level of knowledge shows that 76% of patients had moderately adequate knowledge whereas 12% of patients had inadequate and adequate knowledge respectively. Based on the risk category 41 patients (82%) comes under the category of 0 ( no loss of protective sensation ) were recommended to undergo early foot examination, advised  to wear comfortable shoes and adhere to foot care guidelines. 4 patients (8%) who comes under 1^st  category  ( loss of protective sensation with no deformity, callus and preulcer) were recommended to undergo early foot examination every 6 months, examine feet daily, use special shoes and instructed to adhere foot care guidelines. 3 patients (6%) were falling under 2^nd category (loss of protective sensation with  deformity, callus and preulcer) recommended to  undergo foot examination every 3-4 months, use special shoes and examine feet  1-2 times a day. 2 patients (4%) were coming under 3^rd category (loss of protective sensation with ulcer) were recommended to  undergo foot examination every 1-2  months, examine feet  1-2 times a day use special foot wear, orthotics and instructed to follow foot care guidelines. This study aimed to identify, assess and empower the knowledge of Diabetic patients on Foot Care Management