Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Diabetic Foot Care in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic foot care involves measures and practices aimed at maintaining foot health in individuals with diabetes and reducing the risk of severe, life-threatening complications. It is essential for diabetic patients to have the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to enhance proper foot care, which can lead to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from a sample of 647 diabetic patients residing in the Al-Qassim region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants completed self-administered online questionnaires, ensuring their anonymity.

RESULTS

An overwhelming majority (604, 93.4%) of the patients had a positive attitude towards diabetic foot care, compared to only 43 (6.6%) with a poor attitude. Patients' age and duration of diabetes were significantly associated with their attitudes towards foot care (p=0.011*; p=0.005*), with those having a family history of diabetes showing a significantly more positive attitude towards diabetic foot care. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters (480, 74.2%) of diabetic patients had good knowledge about foot care, while about one-quarter (167, 25.8%) had poor knowledge. There was no statistically significant association between knowledge regarding diabetic foot care and patients' socio-demographic attributes.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a high percentage of surveyed patients with good knowledge and a positive attitude towards diabetic foot care. However, significant gaps in diabetic education were evident, as a substantial proportion of patients had not received formal education on the subject. This highlights the need for educational programs aimed at improving both knowledge and attitudes, as well as promoting good routine practices by consistently reminding patients about health practices and the risks associated with diabetes-related complications.