Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to Foot Care Among Diabetic Patients in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), affecting approximately 15% of all diabetic patients. This condition poses significant challenges due to its association with major morbidity, mortality, high costs, and diminished quality of life. The incidence of diabetic foot complications among diagnosed diabetes cases is alarming, making it a primary concern in diabetes management. Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, impacts nearly every system in the body. Methods In this study, a cross-sectional design was employed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices related to foot care among 432 diabetic patients in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Results The participants' ages ranged from 18 to above 60 years, with (n = 206, 47.69%) being male and (n = 226, 52.31%) female. Type 2 diabetes was prevalent, constituting (n = 277, 64.12%) of cases, whereas (n = 187, 38.29%) had type 1 diabetes. Approximately (n= 224, 51.9%) of patients had been diagnosed with diabetes for less than 10 years. A significant portion (n= 302, 69.91%) of patients did not report any foot complaints. However, (n= 88, 20.37%) had a history of healed ulcers, and (n= 21, 4.9%) had undergone amputation due to diabetes. The majority of patients (n = 228, 52.78%) were under oral agent treatment. Conclusion The study population demonstrated adequate knowledge about diabetes management and exhibited positive attitudes toward diabetes and its related complications, particularly concerning foot care. While most patients displayed appropriate practices related to diabetic foot care, some participants showed inadequate adherence to essential procedures. Addressing these gaps in knowledge and practices is crucial for enhancing the overall management of diabetic foot complications among patients.