The level of knowledge and awareness about diabetes and diabetic foot among the Taif general population

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot are increasing worldwide. There is a lack of information about diabetes and diabetic foot in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Objectives: The current study aims to explore the level of knowledge about diabetes and diabetic foot among the general population in Taif city of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on diabetic patients in Taif city. A questionnaire was distributed randomly to the general population and their demographic information was recorded after obtaining their consent. Results: Diabetes Type 1 was the most common type with retinopathy as the most common single complication, where 12.5% had more than one complication. The mean knowledge score was 17.98 ± 4.25. The participants had 46% for good knowledge, 41% and 13% of fair and poor knowledge about diabetes and diabetic foot respectively. No significant relationship was found between the level of the participant’s knowledge about diabetes and diabetic foot and their characteristics (except for educational level). Conclusion: Healthcare providers should devote more time to educating patients and their families about diabetes, particularly the complications. Keywords: level, knowledge, diabetic, foot, Taif, population