اسم الكتاب

Awareness and practices regarding diabetic foot among diabetic patients in Baghdad

القسم

التربية والتعليم

عن الكتاب

Abstract:

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is a major global public health problem, with diabetic foot disorders preventive practices are crucial to reduce these
complications, yet gaps between knowledge and practice remain
common, especially in developing countries.

Objectives:
To assess foot care awareness among diabetic patients, in addition identify factors influencing their awareness. And to explore foot care practices among them.

Patients and Method:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Baghdad from February 25th to March 3rd, 2026. A convenience sample of
diabetic patients aged 18 years and above were enrolled. An interview questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data pertaining to awareness regarding foot care and determine the patient’s practices about foot care.

Results:
The total number of diabetic patients enrolled in the study was 117, (32.5%) of them belong to age group (58–67) years, and (57.3%) were males.
Type 2 diabetes was predominant type of DM (69.2%), and (41.9%) had diabetes for more than 10 years. Foot ulcers were reported by (24.8%) of the study group, and (43.6%) of them experienced numbness or loss of sensation in legs.
The study found that (76.9%) of participants had a good level of awareness regarding foot care, better educational level significantly associated with good level of awareness.
Despite the height rate of good awareness, preventive practices were suboptimal: 23.9% performed daily foot inspections, 35.9% never dried between toes, and 62.4% walked barefoot often or sometimes.
Additionally, 36.8% never checked inside their shoes, and 57.3% treated foot wounds at home rather than seeking medical care.
A good proportion (59.0%) of diabetic patients stated that they had received health education concerning foot care, and were to identify physicians as their primary sources of information.

Conclusion:
Although most patients demonstrated good awareness of diabetic foot care, a clear gap exists between awareness and preventive practices.
Targeted educational interventions are needed to enhance self-care and reduce the risk of diabetic foot complications.