Role of footcare education in diabetic foot status and glycaemic control among diabetics attending family medicine practice of Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes among the adult population is rising globally. As the case detection rates of diabetes increase in adult Nigerians, managing the attendant (foot) complications has become an important health challenge. Poor practice of foot care and poor glycaemic control is potential risk for Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU).

Objective: To determine the role of foot care education in diabetic foot status and glycaemic control among diabetics attending Family Medicine Practice, Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti.

Materials and Methods: Interventional study was performed on 154 adult patients (77 in intervention group and 77 in control group) with diabetes who had been on treatment for at least three months. Relevant data were collected using interviewer administered semistructured questionnaire. ''CARE framework'' tool was used as a patient education guide.

Results: The practice of foot care in the intervention group improved to a statistically significant level compared to control group (85.7% vs 23.4%), p < 0.001. There was no statistically significant difference in diabetic foot status between the intervention and the control group after the intervention. However, the glycaemic control was statistically significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001) post-intervention.

Conclusion: Foot care education was linked to better foot care practice and improved glycaemic control. Family Physicians will do well by giving foot care education to diabetic patients with a view of improving foot care practice and glycaemic control, and reducing.

Keywords: foot status, diabetic foot ulcer, diabetes, foot care, education, glycaemic control