RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to identify factors influencing diabetic patients' awareness of the risk of foot problems. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of diabetic patients hospitalized or seen in consultation. Various factors were analyzed in order to identify those related to the patients' level of awareness of risk factors in diabetic foot. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included (mean age: 48; male/female gender ratio: 0.63). Over 50% of the study population was not aware of the risks of diabetic foot. Educational level and socioeconomic status had an impact on awareness of good foot health and care. Poor knowledge of the degenerative complications of diabetes was associated with age, a low educational level and low socioeconomic status. DISCUSSION: Our results revealed low levels of patient awareness concerning the potential severity of diabetic foot and the means of preventing foot problems. The patients gave a range of explanations for this marked lack of awareness; including a lack of information and financial constraints. Hence, patient education is still a major aspect of prevention in diabetes. CONCLUSION: In diabetes, there is still a need for easily assimilated, locally provided patient education.