Diabetic foot self care

NewsBot · Jul 19, 2025

Diabetic Foot Care Education and Practices: A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Questionnaire-Based Study
Aishwarya Singh et al
Cureus. 2025 Jun 5;17(6):e85436.

Background Diabetic foot disease is a significant cause of morbidity among individuals with diabetes and can be effectively prevented with proper patient education early in the disease course. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetic patients toward foot care, as well as estimating the prevalence of diabetic foot disease. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 diagnosed patients with diabetes, using a structured questionnaire and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) parts A and B, at a referral hospital in Central India. The questionnaire included questions about foot care practices, knowledge of diabetic foot complications, and attitudes toward foot care. The MNSI was used to screen for neuropathic symptoms and signs indicative of diabetic foot disease. Results Among the participants, 110 out of 128 (85.9%) reported that they had never received any education from their healthcare provider regarding proper foot care practices. Almost one-fourth of our participants, accounting for 95 (74.2%) of them, lacked adequate knowledge about maintaining proper foot hygiene, and 78 (60.9%) were unaware of the foot-related complications associated with diabetes. The study found a significant positive association between knowledge scores and the duration of diabetes. Despite the lack of knowledge, 125 (97%) of the patients demonstrated a positive attitude and expressed a willingness to adopt proper practices when educated. Notably, 52 (40.6%) of the participants walked barefoot, and 116 (90.6%) did not undergo annual foot examinations. Diabetic foot disease was identified in 40 out of 128 (31.3%) participants based on abnormal MNSI scores. There was a significant positive correlation between the duration of diabetes and the presence of diabetic foot disease. Higher MNSI score A was associated with poorly controlled diabetes, highlighting the impact of glycemic control on neuropathic symptoms. The presence of diabetic foot disease was also significantly associated with macroalbuminuria. Conclusion Our study revealed substantial deficiencies in the education of diabetic patients concerning foot care practices. The prevalent positive attitude among the patients indicates that diabetic foot disease can be effectively prevented with adequate patient education and proactive care by primary healthcare providers. Addressing these deficiencies in awareness and practice is essential for improving patient outcomes and preventing severe complications associated with diabetic foot disease.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Jul 27, 2025

Diabetic foot self-care practices and its predictors among diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Sefineh Fenta Feleke et al
BMJ Open. 2025 Mar 13;15(3):e092626. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092626

Objective
The study aims to identify self-care practices related to diabetic foot care and determine their predictors among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Ethiopia.

Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources
Data were collected from PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and grey literature sources. Databases were searched from inception to August 2024.

Eligibility criteria
Observational studies (including cross-sectional, case–control, cohort and survey designs) reporting diabetic foot self-care practices and their predictors among DM patients in Ethiopia. Our inclusion criteria encompassed articles published in English, and we considered studies conducted in both healthcare institutions and community settings.

Data extraction and synthesis
Microsoft Excel was used for data extraction and summary, while the analysis was performed with R software V.4.3.2. The overall pooled prevalence of diabetic foot self-care practices and their predictors were estimated using a random-effects model. Publication bias was assessed both graphically, using funnel plots, and statistically, with tests such as Egger’s regression test. The reviewers systematically assessed potential bias in individual studies using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and the certainty of evidence was assessed by Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Subgroup analysis was carried out to minimise random variations in the estimates from the primary studies.

Results
The pooled prevalence of good diabetic foot self-care practice in Ethiopia was 51% (95% CI: 41% to 61%; I²=98%, p≤0.001). Factors associated with diabetic foot self-care practices among diabetic patients included knowledge of foot care (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.42; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.62), being female (AOR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.98) and rural residency (AOR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.98). Both Egger’s test (p=0.4430) and Begg’s test (p=0.501) indicated no significant evidence of publication bias. Regarding the certainty of evidence, the overall GRADE rating is categorised as low.

Conclusions
The overall prevalence of good diabetic foot self-care practices among DM patients in Ethiopia is relatively high. Residence, sex and knowledge of foot care were identified as key predictors of effective foot self-care practices in this population. To enhance diabetic foot self-care in Ethiopia, it is crucial to strengthen education on foot care. Tailored interventions should be developed specifically for men and rural residents to improve their diabetic foot self-care practices.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Aug 3, 2025

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among patients with diabetic foot ulcers towards disease management
Liangxiao Xie et al
Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 1;15(1):28152.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among patients with diabetic foot ulcers toward disease management. This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and December 2023 at the Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers were invited to participate. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, KAP related to diabetic foot ulcer management. A total of 508 valid responses were analyzed. Pearson's correlation analysis and path analysis were performed to explore the relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A self-designed questionnaire was designed to gather demographic information from patients with diabetic foot ulcers and to assess their KAP toward disease management. A total of 508 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the participants, 273 (53.74%) were male, 345 (67.91%) were elder than 60 years old, 393 (77.36%) resided in rural area and 470 (92.52%) reported not engaging in regular exercise. The mean knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores were 6.15 ± 1.54 (possible range: 0-11), 35.49 ± 2.87 (possible range:12-60), and 26.81 ± 2.60 (possible range: 10-50), respectively. The path analysis demonstrated that knowledge exerted a direct influence on attitudes (β = 0.751, P < 0.001) and practices (β = 0.380, P < 0.001), with an additional indirect effect on practices through attitudes (β = 0.332, P < 0.001). Furthermore, attitude demonstrated a direct impact on practices, as indicated by a path coefficient of 0.442 (P < 0.001). Patients with diabetic foot ulcers showed good knowledge and positive attitudes, yet specific deficiencies remain, highlighting the need for ongoing patient education and healthcare support.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Sep 12, 2025

Why Do Diabetic Patients Not Take Care of Their Feet? Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Practices for Diabetic Foot: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Center in India
Aditya Amit Godbole, Mrunal N. Ketkar, Seema Bunglowala, Disha Hegde, Ananya Arora, Garvita Singh & Niska Malani
Indian Journal of Surgery

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are serious yet preventable complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). They cause significant morbidity, lead to amputations, and impose financial burdens on the healthcare system. While proper preventive care can reduce the risk of DFUs, patients in developing countries often have inadequate awareness. This study focuses on the knowledge, attitudes toward foot care, and foot care practices among DM patients in India. A total of 500 patients with DM were interviewed in December 2024 using a structured tool assessing their medical history, knowledge, attitude, and foot care practices. Data was analyzed using SPSS (29.0). Knowledge was categorized as poor, average, or good, while attitude was classified as negative or positive. Their association with past histories and demographics was examined using Pearson’s chi-square test. Almost half of the participants had poor knowledge (49.4%), with educational levels significantly influencing awareness. A positive attitude toward foot care was observed in 82.4% of participants. However, this attitude did not translate into practice: 61.2% of respondents had never undergone a foot check-up, 52% relied on self-medication and care, and only 10.4% used diabetic footwear. A major gap exists between the desired level of preventive measures and current practices among DM patients. Targeted education, pre-emptive counseling, and proactive physician involvement are essential to bridge the gap and reduce the burden of DFUs.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Sep 25, 2025

Optimizing Self-Management for People Living With Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
Shupeng Shi et al
J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2025 Sep-Oct;52(5):376-383.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers in dynamic self-management in order to optimize individualized strategies of persons with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Design: Longitudinal qualitative research design.

Participants and setting: The sample comprised 18 participants diagnosed with a DFU and 10 family caregivers; respondents were recruited from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, a metropolitan tertiary center with a diabetic foot multidisciplinary care team located in Guangzhou, China.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were constructed guided by self- and family-management (SFM) framework. Interviews occurred around 1, 3, and 6 months after DFU diagnosis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Data collection was conducted between September 2023 and June 2024.

Results: Eleven subthemes were identified as either facilitators or barriers and were categorized according to the 3 stages of DFU-SFM. They were (1) SFM buildup: motivation and determination, support network at its peak, information overload and uncertainty; (2) SFM adaption: activating more resources, establishing a virtuous cycle, waning support network and accumulation of negative experiences; and (3) SFM optimization: test the boundaries, reflection and personalization and living with DFU.

Conclusions: We identified strategies to optimize DFU self-management that occurred in in stages. We hypothesize that providing earlier structured education that incorporates skills start SFM, a holistic approach that goes beyond wound care to maintain SFM, and enhancing self-monitoring and external supervision to optimize SFM.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Oct 1, 2025

Effectiveness of pictorial educational intervention on foot care among individuals having type 2 diabetes at slums of Karachi, Pakistan: asingle blinded randomized control trial
Hina Sharif et al
BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 30;25(1):3214.

Background: Diabetes elevates the chance of severe health complications, such as Diabetic Foot (DF), which detrimentally affects quality of life. A significant proportion of diabetes mellitus patients, particularly in the slums of Karachi, lack awareness of foot care, hence increasing their risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This exacerbates the healthcare cost owing to avoidable complications of diabetes.

Aim: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a pictorial infographic-based foot care education intervention among patients with diabetes in the slums of Karachi, Pakistan. By assessing the impact of this intervention, we aimed to provide valuable insights into the design of future diabetes care and education programs.

Methodology: A single-blinded randomized control trial was conducted at one clinic of the primary healthcare organization SINA, providing primary healthcare services in slums. Using repeated measures of ANOVA to evaluate the effect of group (intervention vs. control), time (pre-and post), and their interaction on scores and pair t-test to check the mean difference of scores in intervention and control group at baseline and after 3 months. The data were cleaned and analyzed in STATA 17.

Results: Of 180 individuals, 90 were in each arm-intervention and control. In the intervention arm, 83 completed follow-up and 77 in the control. In the control and interventional groups, 77.9% and 80.7% of 160 participants were female. Participants' mean age, BMI, and diagnosis years were 54.92 ± 10.41 years, 28.99 ± 6.22, and 7.99 ± 6, respectively. The repeated measures ANOVA showed significant main effects for both groups (F (1, 158) = 45.65, p < 0.0001) and time (F(1, 158) = 172.30, p < 0.0001), showing significant changes in scores. A substantial interaction effect between group and time indicates that ratings changed differently over time for the two groups. The intervention affected the groups differently, with considerable variations over time. Additionally, after education intervention, the intervention arm showed a significant improvement in mean difference (mean difference: 3.53, 95% CI 3.11-3.96, p < 0.001) compared to the control group (mean difference: 0.87, 95% CI 0.34-1.40, p < 0.001) from baseline.

Conclusion: Education had a crucial role in positively impacting patient behavior. Therefore, patients must be actively involved in their healthcare education awareness, focusing more on modifying their behavior.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Oct 25, 2025

Instruments for measuring diabetic foot self-care behavior: a systematic review of measurement properties
Deborah Siregar et al
Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2025 Oct 22:112946.

Aims: To synthesize and critically evaluate the psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) designed to assess diabetic foot self-care behaviors.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases up to February 2024. Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) with diabetes who could independently perform daily foot care, and only instruments assessing self-reported foot care practices were included. Studies were excluded if diabetes was not the primary condition, instruments were unrelated, or full-text data were unavailable. The methodological quality and measurement properties of these instruments were assessed using the COSMIN checklist and a modified GRADE approach.

Results: Seven self-report instruments for assessing diabetic foot self-care were identified across 16 studies. The review found considerable variability in the methodological quality and psychometric robustness of the included PROMs. The Diabetic Foot Self-Care Questionnaire (DFSQ) consistently showed adequate content validity, structural validity, and internal consistency, and was validated across several cultural context.

Conclusion: Despite generally adequate psychometric properties, the evidence is limited by small and variable sample sizes, lack of longitudinal data, incomplete cross-cultural representation, and potential publication bias. Overall, the DFSQ demonstrated the most robust psychometric properties and recommended as a reliable and valid tool for assessing diabetic foot self-care behaviors in both research and clinical practice.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Oct 29, 2025

Foot Care Interventions for Low-risk Diabetic Patients and those Without Foot Ulcers: A Mapping Review
Okatiranti Okatiranti, Desy Nuryunarsih
Source

Patient education on appropriate self-care has the potential to play a crucial role in preventing foot complications. No current reviews explored the evidence of foot care interventions (FCIs) for diabetic patients who are at low risk for diabetic foot ulcers (LR-DFUs). This mapping review aimed to identify existing evidence of the core components of FCI for diabetic patients who are LR-DFUs and without DFUs. Methods: This review was undertaken using the Joanne Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance. The following electronic databases were searched for articles from data first indicated date through to June 2021: CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Science Direct, and ASSIA. APA PsycArticles, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and institutional websites by using search terms related to foot care and diabetes mellitus. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize the data. Results: In total, 18 studies were included in this review. Of these, there were 12 comparative studies, six observational studies and 12 reports of footcare education. The review included studies representing low- and high-resource settings and presented the core components of FCI for patients who are LR-DFUs and without DFUs. Conclusion: Core components of FCIs can be applied to develop targeted FCIs for education.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Nov 8, 2025

Impact of the Interprofessional Collaborative Education Program (IPCEP) on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetic foot care among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review
Bhukya Nom Kumar Naik, Sushma Prabhath, Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Arun G. Maiya, S. S. Prasad, Suvarna Hebbar, Gagana Karkada, Sahana Shetty & Shubhada Karanth
Source

Background

Individuals with diabetes are at high risk of foot complications such as ulcers and amputations, leading to morbidity and economic burden. Effective foot care management reduces complications, highlighting the need for patient education and self-management practices. Interprofessional care (IPC) enhances patient care by integrating expertise from multiple disciplines. While education programs improve self-care and knowledge, their impact on self-efficacy remains unclear. Furthermore, the role of the Interprofessional Collaborative Education Program (IPCEP) in enhancing foot care practices also needs exploration.
Objective

This narrative review evaluated the usefulness of the interprofessional approach (IPA) to patient-centered education in improving foot care knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane was carried out to explore the importance of IPCEP in improving foot care practices among individuals with T2DM. A narrative review was conducted, as there was a paucity of literature related to studies meeting the criteria by September 23, 2024. Studies assessing patient outcomes (behaviour, attitudes, knowledge) were considered.
Results

Extensive research is needed to highlight the importance of IPCEP in improving foot care knowledge and promoting proactive self-management. This is because the IPA positively influences patients’ attitudes toward health management post-education.
Conclusion

This review highlights the need for IPCEP to improve foot care practices; thus, it can foster a holistic approach to diabetes and diabetic foot care, improve quality of life, and reduce complications.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Dec 1, 2025

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF FOOTCARE AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC FOOT ULCER
ASWATHY K A A.K.A., SINGH DR.A.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of foot care among patients with Diabetic foot ulcer patients. Methodology: The study was conducted among 130 consecutive patients from the Department of Surgery, Government Medical college, Thiruvananthapuram and they were diagnosed with Diabetic foot ulcer and those who are willing were included in the study and those with cognitive impairment were excluded from the study. Study Procedure:A written informed consent will be taken from the patient or caregiver in a prescribed format. Patient who met the inclusion criteria will be enrolled for the study. All information relevant to the study was collected from case records and direct interview with patient with the help of questionnaires.. Knowledge and practice of foot care was assessed using questionnaire based on recommendation by American Diabetics Association.

Conclusion:. Wound duration was identified as the only risk factor for MRSA infection in DFU.. Appropriate implementation of foot care strategies reduce the risk of amputation by 49%-85%.To achieve this effect, we must emphasize on awareness of foot care
Click to expand...

Diabetic foot self care

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

MyFootCare: An application to actively engage people in their diabetic foot ulcer self-care

Mobile app for Diabetic Foot Self-Care

Validation of a booklet on self-care with the diabetic foot

Treprostinil Iontophoresis in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Amlexanox as a topical for diabetic foot ulcers

Ethacridine for diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot complications due to post-earthquake care deficiencies

Share This Page

Diabetic foot self care

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

MyFootCare: An application to actively engage people in their diabetic foot ulcer self-care

Mobile app for Diabetic Foot Self-Care

Validation of a booklet on self-care with the diabetic foot

Treprostinil Iontophoresis in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Amlexanox as a topical for diabetic foot ulcers

Ethacridine for diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot complications due to post-earthquake care deficiencies

Share This Page

Useful Searches