Background: Diabetic foot (DF) is a common complication among diabetic patients and the most common cause of hospital admissions for diabetics. This study was conducted to assess the awareness level about DF among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University.
Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students of Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in February 2018. Electronic questionnaires were used to collect data on DF. The estimated sample size was 167.
Results: Of the total, 54.5% of respondents selected 42-47 mmol/mol (Hgb A1C = 6.0%-6.4%) as a pre-diabetic blood glucose value, and 41.9% thought that DF complications begin after 8-10 years. About 68.9% had received formal or informal education about diabetes. Poor glycemic control was the most common risk factor of DF stated by 58.1%. Respondents (30.5%) thought that drainage of pus from a wound is the most dangerous sign of DF, and 64.1% considered that amputation is the most dangerous complication of DF. Drying feet after washing helps prevent complications, which was stated by 67.7%, where 53.9% did not check their shoes for any objects that may have fallen into them, and 86.8% did not follow any technique in examining their feet every day.
Conclusion: The general awareness of DF complications is low. Medical students need more awareness about DF and its complications. More educational programs and campaigns are recommended.
Key words: Diabetic foot, diabetic foot ulcer, diabetes, diabetic patients
|
