Diabetic foot care knowledge and practice in type 2 diabetes and relation to microvascular complications in Alexandria (Egypt).

Objectives. Egypt occupies the 8th rank in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide. The social and financial burden of diabetes and its complications represents a major health problem in Egypt. Diabetic foot and its consequences (ulcers and amputation) are preventable through good education for both physicians and patients. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes outpatient clinic in Alexandria main university hospital (AMUH). Patients were subjected to history taking, physical examination, and laboratory investigations. Screening for peripheral neuropathy was done using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the diabetic foot care knowledge and practice in participants. Results. Only 25% and 24% of participants had good diabetic foot care knowledge and practice, respectively. There was a highly significant positive correlation between knowledge and practice in studied group (p<0.001). The presence of microvascular complications leads to a significantly higher knowledge, but not practice. Conclusions. Diabetic foot care knowledge and practice are poor in our community. Foot care knowledge, unlike practice, is increased with the presence of microvascular complications. We should develop effective educational programs for patients and physicians to increase knowledge and practice before the development of complications.