Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifaceted disease and foot ulceration is one of its most common complications. Poor,foot care practices are important risk factors for foot problems among people with diabetes. Objectives: The objectives of,this study were to know the magnitude of the foot ulcer and to assess the level of foot care practice among diabetic patients,in Ahmedabad city. Settings and Design: The community-based cross‑sectional study was conducted in 150 consecutive,diabetes patients found in the field practice area of BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad.
Materials and Methods: A pretested,semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Diabetic neuropathy is checked using 10 g monofilament,test. Statistical analysis was done by Microsoft Excel 2012, Epi Info version 7.2 and Z-test of proportion. The P level,of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 150 study participants, only 16.6% (25) patients follows,good foot care practice with American Diabetes Association foot care practice score of >70%. Age <60 years (z = 3.03,,P < 0.05), educational status >5th standard (z = 3.08, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with good foot care practice.,11.3% (n = 17) had foot ulcer. Poor glycemic control (z = 3.099, P < 0.05) and loss of touch sensation (z = 8.004, P < 0.05),were significantly associated with the development of foot ulcer. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 18% (n =,27). Conclusion: There were poor foot care practices among diabetic patients. Majority of them were wearing improper,foot wear. Poor glycemic control and loss of touch sensation were associated with the development of foot ulcer.