Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Associated With Diabetic Foot Prevention Among Rural Adults With Diabetes in North China

Abstract

BackgroundThe diabetic foot is a global threat to public health because it can result in infection and amputation, as well as cause the patient to experience considerable pain and incur financial costs. The condition of patients with diabetic foot in North China is distinguished by more severe local ulcers, a worse prognosis, and a longer duration of disease than that of patients with diabetic foot in the south. Through appropriate preventive measures, the diabetic foot can be effectively avoided. This study assesses the existing knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with diabetic foot prevention among adults with diabetes living in rural areas of North China.MethodThis cross-sectional survey included 1,080 rural adults from North China, cluster sampled 12 villages and surveyed diabetic patients without diabetic foot who participated in community diabetes management. The self-administered knowledge and attitude questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Foot-care Questionnaire were used.ResultOf the 1,080 subjects, 51.6% received moderate knowledge scores, 63.9% had a positive attitude and 71.4% received poor practice scores. In terms of knowledge, parameters of knowledge about foot examinations and treatment of foot problems showed the lowest scores. In terms of practice, in line with the results of the low knowledge score, parameters of the pursuit of medical treatment for foot problems and routine foot examinations were associated with the lowest scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that participants who were current smokers (β: −0.049, 95% CI: −0.088 to −0.011) had lower knowledge scores than those who never smoke; participants who were current smokers (β: −0.818, 95% CI: −1.067 to −0.569) and past smokers (β: −0.299, 95% CI: −0.485 to −0.112) had lower attitude scores than those who had never smoked; participants who had higher knowledge scores (β: 1.964, 95% CI: 1.572–2.356) achieved higher scores on attitudes; women had better practice scores than men (β: 0.180, 95% CI: 0.122–0.239); patients with a long diabetes duration (6–10 years) had better practice scores than those who had a short diabetes duration (<2 years; β: 0.072, 95% CI: 0.012–0.131). Knowledge (β: 0.130, 95% CI: 0.001–0.258) and attitudes (β: 0.268, 95% CI: 0.249–0.287) were significantly associated with good practices.ConclusionsIncreasing knowledge regarding diabetic foot would help instill positive attitudes and cultivate better practices toward diabetic foot prevention. The results of this study may help guide future promotional resources to those groups most in need, which may help lower the incidence of diabetic foot among adults in North China.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care in Asser Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The strategy of community engagement has emerged as a highly effective and impactful approach for advancing knowledge, fostering positive attitudes, and encouraging beneficial practices among patients living with diabetes. By actively involving patients in their personalized treatment plans, there is a notable and significant improvement in their adherence to medical recommendations and overall satisfaction with their healthcare experience [ 19 ]. This collaborative and patient-centered approach not only empowers individuals to take ownership of their health but also improves the overall effectiveness of diabetes management, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by this condition [ 20 ].…”

Association between triglyceride glucose index and severity of diabetic foot ulcers in type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…We hypothesize that there were more confounding factors in patients with PAD, such as more complications, interventions, and utilization of drugs related to hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and antiplatelet, which would attenuate the relationship between TyG and severity of DFUs in PAD subgroup. The current studies suggested that diabetic foot and amputation prevention strategies should focus on men, working freelancers and those with long‐term diabetes [37–39]. Increasing knowledge with regard to diabetic foot would help avoid further complications and reduce the occurrence of DFUs.…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding the Risk of Diabetic Feet Among Diabetic Patients in the Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia

“…Awareness of the susceptibility of diabetic feet and active measures to prevent it are separate entities. A possible explanation is that diabetic feet develop slowly over time, which leads them to not realize the gravity of complications [ 22 ]. As for practices, 93.5% wash their feet daily, consistent with other studies, with over 80% doing so [ 11 ].…”