Diabetic Foot Care: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Type 2 DM Clients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64397/nepj.v02i01.2026.a40Keywords:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, diabetic foot care, peripheral neuropathyAbstract
Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health concern linked to complications such as diabetic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) and diabetic foot ulcers. Proper diabetic foot care (DFC) helps prevent ulceration, infection, and amputation. However, despite existing health education and preventive programs, adherence to proper DFC remains inadequate.
Aim: The study aimed to determine the level of KAP regarding DFC among clients with T2DM in Baguio City, identify differences according to age, sex, and duration of illness, and examine the relationship between DFC KAP and DSPN severity.
Methods: The study employed a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design with adult clients diagnosed with T2DM from selected healthcare facilities in Baguio City as respondents. Respondents were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. A KAP questionnaire, the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), and the DSPN Severity Prediction Tool were utilized. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis Test, Mann–Whitney U Test, and Spearman’s rho correlation.
Results: The results revealed that most respondents had satisfactory knowledge (SK) (43.97%) and favorable attitudes (FA) (78.01%) regarding DFC. However, their practices remained only satisfactory (61.70%), indicating inconsistent foot care behaviors. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in KAP regarding DFC when grouped according to age, sex, and duration of illness. Likewise, no significant relationship was found between DFC KAP and DSPN severity.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need to strengthen DFC education and behavioral interventions among clients with T2DM. Although respondents demonstrated FA, their knowledge reflected only partial understanding, while practices remained inconsistent (SP). These results suggest a gap between awareness and proper self-care behaviors and provide local evidence for improving patient education, preventive strategies, and future research on DFC and DSPN.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Shaira Myr C. Balasi, Jelly Imee S. Casing , Royce Via N. Dablo, Liam Gabriel S. Dawawa, Sean Margareth V. Ines, Jerick C. Jarillo , Leuwen Gabriell C. Ordonio, Alaina Junia B. Ragudo , Micahaela Juliana G. Torio , Nikka Ella L. Wenceslao, Diadem L. Depayso, MN, RN (Author)
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