Assessment of knowledge and practices of diabetic patients to diabetic foot care in Iraq

Diabetic foot is a complication of diabetes and can cause serious foot problems. This study aims to determine the knowledge and practices of diabetic patients regarding diabetic foot care in Iraq. The cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between April and July 2022. The sample of the study consisted of diabetic patients (n=200). A questionnaire form designed to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and their knowledge and practices regarding diabetic foot care was used. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with patients. SPSS (25) program was used in data entry and analysis. Of the participants (n=200), 79 (39.5%) had a high diabetic foot care knowledge score, and 121 (60.5%) had a low knowledge score. A statistically significant relationship was found between knowledge levels (gender, education level, occupation, income, residence, and whether there is a health center or hospital close to where they live) (p<0.05). In the study, it was determined that 75 (37.5%) of the patients had high application and 125 (62.5%) had low application. A statistically significant relationship was found between the level of practice and the level of education, occupation, and residence (p<0.05). It is recommended to inform diabetic patients about foot problems and their treatments, to print brochures about diabetic foot care practices, to give these brochures to patients when they apply to health institutions, and to inform diabetic patients about this issue.