Assessment of Patient's Knowledge and Practice Regarding their Diabetic Foot in Chamchamal District (AL- Slemani City)

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot is common in the diabetic population; it is one of the most incapacitating chronic Complications resulting from poor disease management. Objective: The study aims to assess knowledge and practice of Diabetic patients, for their foot, and to find out the relationship between knowledge and practice with some Sociodemographic characteristics such as (Age, gender, level of education. Marital Status, monthly income, residential area). Methodology: Descriptive study was carried out at Chamchamal District, from the outpatient of Chamchamal evening Public Clinic and Chronic Disease Control Center, for the period of 15th November 2013 up to 10th of October 2014. To reach the objectives of the present study, a non-probability (purposive) sample of (75) patients with diabetic foot who attend the above center. For the purpose of data collection, a questionnaire was designed of (47) items. To measure the validity of instrument the researcher exposed the instruments to (16) experts. A pilot study was carried out to check the reliability of the questionnaire. Data were collected through the use of interview, and were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistics. Results: Results of the study revealed that there was a significant relationship between Knowledge and practice by level of education and monthly income and there was also a significant relationship between practices by Occupation. Conclusions: Diabetic patient's knowledge was deferent level in education and monthly income, and diabetes practice was deferent level in level of education, occupation, and monthly income in a statistically significant manner. Recommendations: The study recommended that Patients with diabetic foot need ongoing educational programs in order to increase their knowledge and understanding in addition to regular evaluation of self-care skills by the diabetes educator. Formal diabetes education programs, generally conducted by diabetes nurses and nutrition specialists, are often very effective and training nursing personnel regarding management of physical and psychological problems of patients is essential to increase their knowledge and practices skills.