Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot is one of the major complications of diabetes due to the uncontrolled blood glucose levels as well as poor foot care. It can lead to significant morbidity, especially if amputation is needed. The appropriate level of knowledge toward diabetic foot care can reduce the occurrence of diabetic foot complications. This survey analysis aims to explore the level of knowledge as well as the attitude of diabetic patients in Aseer, Saudi Arabia, toward diabetic foot care.
Methodology: A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed in outpatient clinics to diabetic patients, including questions on the diabetic foot care as well as attitude of the responders on their foot care in addition to socio-demographic data. Data analysis was done through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 22.
Results: The overall mean score for both knowledge (11.01 ± 2.591) and attitude (29.17 ± 7.451) were found low. Females appeared to have a significantly higher level of knowledge (p-value = 0.004), as well as attitude (p-value = 0.035), compared to males. Patients who had previous training or attended workshops on diabetic foot care had a significantly higher score in both knowledge (p-value = 0.027) and attitude (p-value = 0.032) sections.
Conclusion: The level of knowledge and behavior of diabetic patients in Aseer area, Saudi Arabia were found unsatisfactory. Further studies should examine the level of knowledge and practice of diabetic foot toward diabetic foot care in other areas in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Diabetic foot care, Saudi Arabia