Knowledge and practice of foot care amongst diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata, India

Introduction: Prevalence of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in the southern part of India is higher compared to eastern, northern and western India. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practices of foot care among patients attended diabetic clinic of a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 01.05.2016 to 28.05.2016 among275 patients attending the Diabetic OPD using a pre designed structured pre tested schedule. Data Analysis: Epi-info version 6 and SPSS Version 16.0. Results: About 71.27% & 40% had good knowledge & practice respectively; 62.91% checked their feet daily; 42.91% inspect their footwear regularly; 90.81% used footwear outdoors; 6.91% used footwear indoor; washing & drying of feet was present in 78.91% & 18.90% respectively; healthy nail trimming was found in 61.81% of the patients. Gender, residence, education, occupation, income, family history of diabetes, duration, regular use of medication was found to be associated with both knowledge & practice. Conclusions: Patient education on prevention of foot ulceration should be incorporated into the routine care of diabetic patients both in the hospital and in the community.