Knowledge, attitude and practice towards foot care in adult diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards foot care among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across the main regions of Saudi Arabia from March to May, 2023. The sample size was estimated to be 384 using the Raosoft calculator with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Results: A total of 665 participants completed the questionnaire, 54.8% of them were females and 30.8% were aged between 20-30 years old. Around 120 (18.2%) participants had a very poor level of knowledge regarding foot care. Almost 615 (93%) had a favorable attitude towards foot care and only eight (1.2%) participants had a good practice. Conclusion: More than half of the patients showed a moderate level of knowledge of diabetic self-foot care. Most participants showed a favorable attitude towards diabetic self-foot care. Most patients showed a moderate level of practice towards diabetic self-foot care. A significant association was found between the level of knowledge and patients\' gender, level of education, and duration of diabetes mellitus. A significant association was revealed between the level of practice and the patient\'s level of knowledge.