Evaluation of Foot Care Knowledge among the Diabetic Population

Primary Faculty Mentor’s Name

Marian Tabi

Proposal Track

Student

Session Format

Poster

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide healthcare epidemic and is one of the world’s leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease from diabetes can turn potentially minor foot injuries into serious foot ulcers that can require amputation. It was the goal of the researchers to evaluate knowledge concerning proper foot care among diabetics. Our hypothesis was that diabetics lacked the information necessary to properly take care of their feet. To test our hypothesis, 107 questionnaires were sent out and completed by Type I and Type II diabetic patients through an anonymous online survey. The results of our questionnaires showed that most diabetics did not have a regular foot care protocol, including inspecting their feet daily. It also showed that a majority continued to walk barefoot, and also most did not regularly see a podiatrist or have knowledge about diabetic footwear. Overall, this showed that our hypothesis is valid and that diabetics need more education about the care of their feet in order to help in the prevention of foot problems. To combat this problem, the researchers proposed a simple mnemonic to help patients remember proper foot care procedures. The mnemonic “INSTEP” stands for Inspection, No bare feet, Soften with lotion, Trim nails, Exercise, and Properly fitting shoes. We took this mnemonic and put it on a pair of socks as a reminder to these patients to take these precautions. Researchers: Ashley D. Anderson, John W. Bacon, Vanessa M. Degyansky, Jennifer H. Edmisten.

Keywords

Diabetes, Feet, Ulcers, Knowledge, Foot care

Award Consideration

1

Location

Concourse/Atrium

Presentation Year

2014

Start Date

11-15-2014 2:55 PM

End Date

11-15-2014 4:10 PM

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Nov 15th, 2:55 PM Nov 15th, 4:10 PM

Evaluation of Foot Care Knowledge among the Diabetic Population

Concourse/Atrium

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide healthcare epidemic and is one of the world’s leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease from diabetes can turn potentially minor foot injuries into serious foot ulcers that can require amputation. It was the goal of the researchers to evaluate knowledge concerning proper foot care among diabetics. Our hypothesis was that diabetics lacked the information necessary to properly take care of their feet. To test our hypothesis, 107 questionnaires were sent out and completed by Type I and Type II diabetic patients through an anonymous online survey. The results of our questionnaires showed that most diabetics did not have a regular foot care protocol, including inspecting their feet daily. It also showed that a majority continued to walk barefoot, and also most did not regularly see a podiatrist or have knowledge about diabetic footwear. Overall, this showed that our hypothesis is valid and that diabetics need more education about the care of their feet in order to help in the prevention of foot problems. To combat this problem, the researchers proposed a simple mnemonic to help patients remember proper foot care procedures. The mnemonic “INSTEP” stands for Inspection, No bare feet, Soften with lotion, Trim nails, Exercise, and Properly fitting shoes. We took this mnemonic and put it on a pair of socks as a reminder to these patients to take these precautions. Researchers: Ashley D. Anderson, John W. Bacon, Vanessa M. Degyansky, Jennifer H. Edmisten.