Disease Knowledge and Behavior Regarding the Diabetic Foot in Persons at Different Risks for Foot Ulceration According to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot Guidelines.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze levels of knowledge and behavior regarding diabetic foot care and prevention in persons with diabetes according to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) risk stratification system.

METHODS

This descriptive study included 83 persons with diabetes at different risk levels for diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) (IWGDF risk 0-3). The previously validated Patient Interpretation of Neuropathy questionnaire was used to analyze their levels of understanding of foot complications. Participants responded using a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Patients with IWGDF risk 3 knew that good circulation and absence of polyneuropathy in their feet were related to healthy feet relative to the other groups. In addition, they knew that a DFU is not painful relative to the other groups. High-risk patients knew which physical causes could affect the development of a DFU and that foot self-care and medical control could prevent DFU.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IWGDF risk 3 knew the natural progression of diabetic foot complications and how to prevent them. Clinicians should focus their efforts on educating patients with diabetes who are at lower risk for DFU.