A Study to Assess the Level of Foot Care Practice among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease of complications which decreases the life span of diabetic patients. The diabetic foot is one of the common complications of diabetes, often requires prolonged hospitalization. Foot problems are the most common cause of admission to hospital for people with diabetes.1 The objectives of the study were to assess the various foot care practices and also the level of foot care practices among patients with diabetes mellitus. Cross sectional descriptive research design was used for the study. The study was conducted in diabetic clinic outpatient department and wards of Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre at Puducherry. Hundred samples were selected by convenience sampling technique. The study results showed that among 100 patients, 57% of them had very poor foot care practices, 42% of them had poor practices and only one had fair foot care practices. None of them had good or excellent foot care practice.