Foot care among recently diagnosed diabetic patients in Muhayel, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Amputations and ulcers of foot are the main causes of disability, morbidity, physical and emotional costs among diabetics. Management of their risk factors and early recognition can delay or prevent the beginning of any adverse outcomes. Objectives: To assess the levels of knowledge and practice regarding foot care among recently diagnosed diabetic patients. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at primary healthcare centers belonging to the Ministry of Health, Muhayil city, Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) among recently diagnosed (i.e., before two years) diabetic patients. A study questionnaire (in a simple Arabic language) was used to collect data related to personal characteristics, present history related to diabetes, fasting blood sugar control (mg/dL), provided medical care, assessment of knowledge about foot self-care and prevention of diabetic foot and assessment of patient’s daily practices related to foot self-care. Results: The study included 250 recently diagnosed diabetic patients. Males represented 55.6% of them. Only 14.8% had glycemic control, based on HbA1c level <7%. Generally, 66% of patients had poor knowledge regarding diabetic foot, whereas only 13.6% of them had good knowledge. Good foot care practice was observed among 52% of patients. Young patients (20-30 years old) were more likely to have good foot care practice than those aged over 60 years, p=0.026. Patients with heart diseases were significantly less likely to have good foot care practice compared to those without cardiac diseases, p=0.039. Patients with HbA1c<7% were significantly more likely to express good foot care practice than those with HbA1c 7%, p=0.006. There was a significant association between patients’ knowledge about foot care and their practice, p<0.001. Regarding provided foot-related health care, 90.8% of patients reported undergoing feet examination by their physicians, 63.2% reported that physicians explained to them the importance of foot care and how to perform it (60.0%). Less than half of patients (45.2%) received health educational brochures about foot care Conclusion: Most recently diagnosed diabetic patients in Muhayil City, Aseer Region, KSA have inadequate knowledge and poor practices regarding foot care. Intensive health education regarding diabetic foot care is highly recommended. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, diabetic foot, foot care, knowledge, practice, Saudi Arabia.