Attitude and knowledge about foot care among diabetic patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION: Saudi Arabia ranks second as the highest country with the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Middle East and seventh in the world. Knowledge, attitude, and good practice for foot care are essential in the management and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice to diabetic foot care among patients attending a diabetic clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of all the patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes aged ≥15 years seen at a diabetic clinic of King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practices was used to collect the data. RESULTS: In total, 368 diabetic patients were surveyed, comprising 111 (30.2%) males and 257 (69.8%) females. About 282 (76.6%) patients had good knowledge of diabetic foot and foot ulcers. Only 41 (11.1) patients have attended a class on diabetic foot care, and 81 (22.0%) received education on diabetic foot care from a doctor and 38 (10.3%) from a nurse. Majority of them washed their feet daily (98.4%), 59.8% inspects shoes before wearing them, but less than half of the patients (47.6%) actually self-inspect their foot daily. Being married, having a secondary and university level of education, and being a government employee had significantly better knowledge of diabetic foot compared with their counterparts. There were no significant differences in the attitude toward diabetic foot and diabetic foot care across age groups. Patients with longer duration of diabetes (>5 years) significantly had better practice of diabetic foot care. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high percentage of the surveyed population with good knowledge and good practice of diabetic foot care, however with a poor attitude toward foot care. There were very few patients who received formal education on diabetic foot and diabetic foot care. There is a need for awareness program for these patients not only to improve their knowledge and practices, but also to motivate patients to have a positive attitude toward diabetic foot care.