A STUDY ON RISK CATEGORIZATION AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS

Cincy MM*, Krishnakumar K, Panayappan L, Lincy George, Dineshkumar B*

The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors of poor diabetic foot care and to find the effectiveness of health education in improving foot care practice among diabetic patients. It was a one group pre test, post test pre experimental study. About 100 patients were included in the study. Patients were enquired about their foot care practices. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the outpatients of a rural health center with type 2 diabetes. Awareness regarding diabetes, care of diabetes and foot care practice ware assessed and scored. Individual and group health education focusing on foot care was performed. Foot care practice was reassessed when the patients came for review. Mean age of included patients was 58.5 years. Only 80% were aware about foot care, majority of the patients did not learning session about foot care. 58 out of 100 were having one or the other factors responsible for them to be categorized as high risk feet. Low education status, old age and low awareness regarding diabetes were the risk factors for poor practice of foot care. The average score for the level of practice had a 65% increase after the education when comparing pre test and post test score. It was also found that proper foot care practice was related with foot care education. Foot care education for diabetics in a primary care setting improves their foot care practice and is likely to be effective in reducing the burden of diabetic foot ulcer.