knowledge and foot self-care practices among diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract

     Possessing knowledge and effective foot care practices in diabetic patients is crucial for reducing the risk of foot ulcers and amputation. This cross-sectional study assesses the levels of knowledge and self-care practices in diabetic patients At Homs University Hospital.The study included 50 patients (male and female) selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire specifically designed by the researcher to assess knowledge and practice in the field of foot care for diabetic patients. The results of the study showed that the majority of the research sample had a good level of knowledge, while the percentage of those with an average level of knowledge was about one-third of the study sample. In contrast, the percentage of those with a poor level of knowledge was low. The results also showed that the majority of the study participants had an average level of self-care practices for feet, while the percentage of those with a good level of practices was about one-third of the sample, and in contrast, the percentage of those with a weak level of practices was less than one-third. The study recommended developing educational and training programs based on an assessment of knowledge and self-care practices for the feet of diabetic patients, in order to bridge the educational and training gap for foot care according to the needs of patients and not the considerations of healthcare providers.