Abstract:
This descriptive studys aim was to investigate foot conditions (peripheral
neuropathy, peripheral arterial abnormality, history of foot ulcers, history of foot
amputation, corns and calluses, foot deformity, HbA1c level) and the relationship
between these conditions, foot care behavior and foot ulcers in persons with diabetes.
A purposive sample of 225 persons with diabetes who sought treatment at Trad
Hospital in September 2009 was used. Data was collected for this study using five
different forms: Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, Diabetic Data Interview,
Foot Care Behavior Interview, Foot Condition Assessment Exam and Interview, and
The Foot Ulcer Assessment. The statistical analysis was performed using descriptive
statistics, Chi-Square test, and Point Biserial Correlation Coefficient with the
significance level set at p < .05 level.
Results revealed that 87.6% of the subjects had abnormal foot conditions
overall. It was found that abnormal feet, skin, and toes ranked first, accounting for
75.1% of the subjects. This was followed by 56.8% of the subjects who had peripheral
neuropathy, 39.1% who had a peripheral arterial abnormality, 18.2% who had a foot
deformity, and 15.6% who had at least one foot ulcer. Overall, the subjects had scores
for appropriate foot care behavior at a moderate level.
Factors related to foot ulcers with statistical significance (p < .05) were
peripheral arterial abnormality (r = 0.481), peripheral neuropathy (r = 0.369), HbA1c
level (r = 0.132), history of foot ulcer (χ2 (1, N = 35) = 41.580, p < .05), foot deformity
(χ2( 1, N = 35) = 30.669, p < .05), and corn and callus (χ2 (1, N = 35) = 4.839, p < .05 ).
In conclusion, the examination and screening of peripheral arterial
abnormality, peripheral neuropathy, history of foot ulcer, corns and calluses, foot
deformity, and glycemic control are necessary for foot ulcer prevention. Also, it is
important to encourage persons with diabetes to adopt appropriate foot care behaviors
that suit their lifestyles which will help with prevention of foot ulcers