Knowledge, Beliefs and Practices of People diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes towards Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Foot Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetic foot syndrome is one of the most common devastating preventable complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, Beliefs and Practices (KBP) among Omani patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) regarding DM and Diabetes foot. Design: A cross sectional descriptive study was used. Settings: A secondary care, polyclinic named Bawshar in Muscat, Oman where patients were seen three days per week. Sample Size:A convenient sample of 100 participants between age group 16 to 30 years were involved. Materials and methods: A validated semi- structured questionnaire was used to assess KBP of T1DM with six domains. During the study period from November 2019 to December 2019. .The data was analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics Inc., Chicago, US version 20. Results: There were 50 females, 50 males; 5 % of patients were illiterate and 30% of them were working. 65% were students. Only 50% checked their foot regularly and only 55% check there blood glucose regularly .57% don’t know the cause of diabetes, 25% don’t know the complications of the same while 20% don’t know cause of diabetic foot and 25% don’t know the symptoms of diabetic foot. 20% beliefs checking blood glucose is the responsibility of the doctor and 85% beliefs walking bare foot is high risk factor for DM foot. Conclusions: In reality healthcare providers must be trained to counsel people with DM to plan adequate interventions that enable an understanding of the offered information. A well-structured ,Behaviour change counselling (BCC) like Motivational interviewing (MI)are considered the ideal practices for this patients, to prevent DM complications.