Knowledge and practices regarding foot care among patients with Type 2 diabetes in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam : A quantitative study

Abstract: Introduction: Previous research shows that knowledge and practice was low in type 2 diabetes patients and that women had better practice/self-care than men. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices regarding foot-care among patients with type 2 diabetes in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and also investigate if there was any difference between genders in knowledge and practicing of foot care. Method: This study was a descriptive and cross-sectional design with quantitative method. The data was collected at the out-patient clinic of the University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and 100 patients participated voluntarily to answer questionnaire. Orem’s self-care theory was used as theoretical framework. Data were analysed by using statistics. Result: The result shows that more than 70% of the patients had good knowledge of foot care and no significant differences between the genders in the knowledge. Their foot care practices were various. There was significant difference between men and women about using a hot water bottle or heating pad on the feet, and more women than men did. For type of shoes, there were differences between genders in wearing broad, round toes and shoes made of leather or canvas, and more men than women did. Conclusion: The knowledge of foot care was good, but the practice of foot care was low. There was not found any significant difference between the genders in knowledge, but some differences in the foot care practices.  More information about foot care is needed to prevent complications with type 2 diabetes.