Type ii Diabetes Mellitus Related Foot Problems And Knowledge Practices Related To Foot Care Among Type ii Diabetes Mellitus Patients Who Attend To Diabetes Clinics In General Hospital Kurunegala

Introduction Diabetic foot problems account for many hospital admissions and if they are not treated properly can lead to life threatening amputations. Moreover they are preventable by self-care practices early diagnosis and proper management. Therefore patients knowledge and practice regarding foot care remains a mainstay of management. Objective To describe the level of knowledge and practice of foot care among patients with Type ii diabetes. Methodology A group of Patients having diagnosed with Type Ll diabetes N384 were selected from diabetic clinics of General Hospital Kurunegala for this descriptive cross sectional study. Data were collected by interviewer administered questionnaire and check list. Patients knowledge and practice on diabetic foot care were inquired. A scoring system ranging from 0-36 was utilized to analyze the responses given for level of knowledge and practice. Results Mean age was 58.2 years SD 10 and male to female ratio was 13. Diabetes was diagnosed 11 years among 37.8. Majority 72 of study sample have not undergone foot examination at the clinic during previous year. 74.4 had diabetes related foot problems. There were 72.4 presented with neuropathic signs and symptoms and 27.6 presented with ischemic signs and symptoms. Regarding foot care knowledge the mean score was 14.6 42 had scored above 50 of total knowledge score. Regarding foot care practices the mean score was 12.5 89.8 participants had scored 50 of total practice score. A Statistically significant association exists between the foot care knowledge and practice scores p0.05 269672 15.9. Conclusion According to results knowledge on diabetic foot care was not up to the standard however their practices of foot care were further unsatisfactory. Therefore patient education on self-care management of foot should be incorporated into the routine care of patients with diabetes both in the clinic and in the community. Examination of foot by clinic team counseling providing information and education during clinic sessions would help to improve this situation.