Knowledge, Practice and Barriers of Foot Self-Care among Diabetic Patients at Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt

Background : Diabetes related foot disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in
diabetic patients. Interventions to reduce the burden of diabetic foot disease are highly cost
effective. An estimated 15% of patients with diabetes develop foot ulcer. Good knowledge
and practice regarding diabetic foot care will reduce the risk of diabetic foot complications
and ultimately amputation. Objective: This study is conducted to assess patients’ knowledge,
practice and barriers of foot self-care among diabetic patients attending Tanta University
Hospitals. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016, included 264
diabetic patients attending outpatients clinics at Tanta University hospitals. Data was
collected through interviewing patients using a questionnaire based on recommendations of
the American Diabetes Association. Results: 42.0% of the participants were males and 58.0%
were females. Half of them had good knowledge level (51%), while (62.2%) had inadequate
self-foot care practice. There was a significant association between level of education with the
level of diabetic foot care knowledge and practice. Poor communication between patients and
health care providers (54.7%) and lack of adequate knowledge (50.2%) were the most
reported barriers. Conclusion: The overall practice score of studied patients, was inadequate
and they were not adequately caring for their feet in spite of their good knowledge.