Knowledge and Practices in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Gauteng, South Africa

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of foot ulcerations. Prevention and timeous treatment of diabetic foot ulcer requires a multidisciplinary team, including patients and healthcare workers. The study investigated levels of knowledge regarding foot care and prevention of diabetic foot ulcer in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study using structured face-to-face interviews of patients seen at the outpatient department. Interviews covered socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and foot care practices. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15. Results: The study involved 245 participants with a mean age of participants was 53.7 (SD) years, and 69% were female. The majority, 77.6%, had Type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM). Mean score of appropriate knowledge on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) was 73.5%, lower scores were 44.9% and 45.7% for moisturizing between toes and wearing slippers outdoors, respectively. Knowledge of foot care was significantly influenced by age (p = 0.0033), duration of DM (p = 0.047), treatment type (p = 0.002), prior education on foot care (p < 0.0001), and existence of foot complications (p = 0.030). Conclusions: Younger patients and those with Type 1 diabetes mellitus had less knowledge of appropriate foot care and prevention of DFU. We recommend the implementation of structured and targeted educational interventions.