Determinants of Satisfactory foot care Knowledge and Practice among Diabetic Patients attending outpatient clinics at a university hospital, Cairo, Egypt.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST)

2 Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction: Foot complications, a major concern among diabetic patients, can lead to severe outcomes, including amputations. Adequate foot care knowledge and practices are essential to prevent such complications, yet many patients lack them. This study explores the determinants of satisfactory foot care knowledge and practices among diabetic patients attending outpatient clinics at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 Type 2 diabetic patients aged 40-80 years. Participants were systematically sampled and interviewed using a validated questionnaire. Data collected included socio-demographics, clinical variables, and foot care knowledge and practices, with scores classified as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Data collection occurred between 15/01/2023 and 30/04/2023. Results: Of the participants, 44.9% were aged 40-50 years, and 55.1% were over 50 years. Most had above average or high education (73.4%) and were employed (68.6%). The mean knowledge score was 59.40 ± 24.18, with 49.3% demonstrating satisfactory knowledge. The mean practice score was 53.10 ± 14.38, with 38.6% showing satisfactory practices. A strong correlation (r=0.710) was observed between knowledge and practice scores. Significant predictors of good foot care knowledge and practices included high education, employment, high income, and good treatment compliance. Conclusion: The study highlights considerable gaps in diabetic patients' foot care knowledge and practices. Educational programs targeting these gaps are crucial to reduce diabetic foot complications and improve patient outcomes.

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