Background: Diabetic foot syndrome is one of the most common and devastating preventable complications of diabetes resulting in major economic consequences for the patients, their families, and the society.
Aims: The present study was carried out to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Diabetic Foot Wound Care among the patients suffering from Diabetic Foot and to correlate them with the socio-demographic parameters.
Material & Methods: It was a Hospital based cross-sectional study involving clinically diagnosed adult (>18 years) patients of Diabetic Foot visiting the Surgery and Medicine OPDs at Teerthankar Mahaveer Medical College & Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics as well as simple proportion were calculated with SPSS 20.0. Tests of significance and Binary Logistic regression analysis were used for analysis.
Results: The maximum knowledge score was found in the age group 40-50 years, females, rural residence, semi-skilled/ skilled occupation, Intermediate and above education, religion other than Hindu or Muslim, living alone and belonging to socio-economic class IV. The maximum attitude score in age>60 years, females, urban area, semi-skilled/ skilled workers, higher education, Hindu religion and living in a joint family. Among the practices, maximum score was seen in age>60 years, females, urban areas, semi-professional/ professional occupation and higher education. Significant association (p<0.05) was seen with age of the patient, education, addiction (smoking, tobacco chewing or both), family history of Diabetes Mellitus, prior receipt of information regarding Diabetic foot-care practices, compliance towards the treatment and the type of foot wear used.
Conclusions: The results highlight areas especially Health education, use of safe footwear and life style adjustments, where efforts to improve knowledge and practice may contribute to the prevention of development of Foot ulcers and amputation.