Abstract:

Background: The rising prevalence of diabetes has brought an increase in the number of lower limb amputations performed as a result of the disease. It has been estimated that diabetic foot ulceration develops in 15% of people with diabetic mellitus. In Tanzania, foot ulcer problems remain a burden nation-wide [6]. Decrease in foot ulcers, lower limb amputations, morbidity and mortality rate of diabetes mellitus is linked with good knowledge and foot care practices among diabetic patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at Bugando Medical Centre and Sekou-Toure hospital.

Results: A total of 172(62.3%) had average knowledge and 89(32.3%) had a poor knowledge of foot care, while 73 (26.4%) had a poor practice of foot care. The most significant barriers regarding foot care illiteracy (P-value<0.001). For the nurses, 44(74.6%) of them had average knowledge of foot care while 6(10.2%) had poor knowledge. Only 18(30.5%) of nurses provide health education on foot care to diabetic patients. Factors hindering foot care education included lack of time due to having many patients 29(49.2%) and lack of knowledge due to lack of training 30(58.8%).

Conclusion: More than half of diabetic patients had average knowledge and few practice foot care. Literacy has significant association with knowledge and practices related to foot care. It is important that all nurses working in diabetic clinics and wards give more emphasis on education to the patients about the importance of foot care.