Effectiveness of foot care guidelines on preventive knowledge and self-care behaviors among patients with diabetic neuropathy: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND

Diabetic neuropathy, a debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus caused by prolonged hyperglycemia, is a significant chronic health problem in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured foot care guidelines in improving preventive knowledge and self-care practices among patients with diabetic neuropathy.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental, single-group pre- and post-intervention study was conducted from October 2023 to September 2024 at the Specialized Diabetes Center of Prince Abdel Aziz Bin Messad Hospital in Arar, Northern Border Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study involved 40 adults with peripheral neuropathy selected through purposive sampling. The intervention included implementing the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines for diabetic patients with neuropathy, and data were collected using questionnaires to assess sociodemographic characteristics, adherence to foot care practices, and the presence of distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis using SPSS version 23 with descriptive and inferential statistical techniques showed a significant improvement (p < 0.02) in patients' preventive foot care knowledge and self-care behaviors, along with improvements in neuropathy symptom reporting. The mean age of the participants was 65.35 ± 11.84 years; 65% were female patients and 35% were male patients.

CONCLUSION

Structured foot care guidelines had a significant positive impact on patients' knowledge, foot care behaviors, and reported neuropathy symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing educational and training programs to enhance foot care practices and increase awareness of the importance of reporting neuropathy-related complications.