Knowledge of diabetic foot complication, self-care beliefs and practices among patients attending a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases are a stumbling block to global development. Among the diseases,
diabetes mellitus in particular, features a major public health problem with increasing prevalence. Foot ulcer
ranks first among the complication of diabetes mellitus preceded by cellulitis. This study aimed at determining
knowledge about diabetic foot complications, foot care practices, and the beliefs of diabetic patients towards
diabetes.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a validated structured questionnaire was conducted among
199 Type 2 adult diabetic patients (≥18 years) who visited the hospital clinic and the wards during the study
period.
Results: More than half that is 118(59.3%) reported not to know that they may develop reduced blood flow in
their feet, and 136(68.30%) reported unawareness of smoking as a contributor to reduced blood flow in their
feet.
Less than half which is 90(45.2%) of the patients reported to dry their feet often after washing, than half that is
96 (48.2%) always inspecting the inside of footwear before putting on, and only 54(27.1 %) of the participants
reported never to walk barefooted. The patients’ beliefs on the causes of diabetes included; hereditary, bad
dietary habits, inactivity, stress, being fat, punishment from God or gods, and witchcraft.
Conclusion: Diabetic patients demonstrated limited knowledge of diabetic foot complications and foot care
practices. The patient’s beliefs on the causes of diabetes included; hereditary, bad dietary habits, inactivity,
stress, being fat, punishment from God or gods, and witchcraft.
Description
Keywords
Knowledge, Diabetic foot complication, Foot care, Practice, Beliefs, Diabetic patients
Citation
Olowo, S., Iramiot, J. S., & Ssenyonga, L. V. (2022). Knowledge of diabetic foot complication, self-care beliefs and practices among patients attending a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 16, 100402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2022.100402