ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS OF DIABETIC FOOT CARE AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SRI LANKA gamagekanil@gmail.com

 

ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS OF DIABETIC FOOT CARE AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SRI LANKA

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Sri Lanka

Oral or Poster

Diabetic foot disease includes a range of complications such as neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and infections, all of which are associated with chronic hyperglycemia. If left unrecognized or poorly managed, these conditions can lead to ulcers, gangrene, and eventual limb amputation, significantly reducing quality of life and increasing healthcare burdens.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 138 diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, practices, and prior education regarding diabetic foot care.

Of the participants, 52.2% were male and 47.8% female. Awareness of complications included: neuropathy (70.1%), ulcers (76.4%), gangrene (41.7%), amputations (79.5%), toe deformities (43.3%), infections (63%), and corns/calluses (40.9%). Only 24.6% had received formal education on diabetic foot care. Healthy practices were suboptimal: 65.9% washed feet daily, 18.1% used moisturizers, and 23.2% practiced proper footwear use. Arterial duplex scans had been performed in 17.4% of patients, with 7.2% undergoing vascular interventions. Notably, 87.7% expressed interest in attending a diabetic foot care workshop.

The findings indicate moderate awareness of diabetic foot complications but poor adherence to preventive practices. Structured education programs are essential to bridge knowledge gaps, promote healthy foot care habits, and reduce the incidence and burden of diabetic foot complications on both individuals and the healthcare system.