Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Study on Diabetic Foot Care among Diabetic Patients with Diabetic Foot Lesions in District Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multifactorial metabolic illness that is characterized by numerous chronic complications. Diabetes affects almost every system of the body. Among these diabetic foot is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus. Its main objective was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and foot care practices in diabetic patients suffering from diabetic foot lesions. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was designed to be conducted at Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Total 150 diabetic patients with diabetic foot lesions were selected by systematic random sampling method. An informed written consent was obtained from each of the study participant according to the declaration of Helsinki. Data was collected by a structured and pretested questionnaire via face-to-face interview and by direct observation of the patient. Ratio of Type II diabetes among study population was 91.3% whereas 23.3% patients were having family history of diabetes. Result of the study showed that 44.35% patients of study sample were having some knowledge about diabetes related complications whereas 45.44% patients were having a positive attitude towards control and prevention of diabetes related complications. Good foot care and footwear practices were being carried out by just 33.62% of patients included in the study. It was concluded from the present study that by providing education regarding control and management of diabetes and its complications, patients training about foot care practices, early detection and management of peripheral neuropathy and strict control of blood glucose could be very helpful in decreasing the diabetic complication including diabetic foot lesions.