[Self care and risk factors of diabetic foot in patients with type II diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVES

To find the amount of self-care (SC), health education (HE) received and the prevalence of risk factors for diabetic foot (RFDF) in patients with type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM) attended in Primary Care.

DESIGN

A descriptive crossover study.

SETTING

Primary Care Centre.

PATIENTS

100 DM patients attending over 2 months (May and June 1995) to see the doctor or collect prescriptions.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Questionnaire on HE, SC habits and social and demographic data, inspection of the feet and physical investigation of lower extremities. 36% had deficient or very deficient hygiene; 73% did not go regularly to the chiropodist, 76% used scissors, 75% did not check the inside of the shoe. 38% had signs of neuropathy and 17%, of peripheric vasculopathy. 25% were at high risk of diabetic foot. Women had more RFDF.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount of self-care is very low, especially in hygiene, which did not improve over time. HE on foot care is extremely poor despite its being a priority. Educational interventions are required to motivate healthworkers and patients, especially those with most RFDF, in the area of SC.