Knowledge and Practices of Foot Care and Associated Factors Among Patients With Diabetes in Vietnam: A Survey at a Single Center From 2021 to 2022

Background: Foot care education is recognized as essential for preventing diabetic foot ulcers. The current approach to diabetic foot care education in Vietnam relies predominantly on nonstandardized, random educational interventions and lacks an evidence‐based framework for patient instruction. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate foot care knowledge and practices among diabetic patients and to identify factors associated with foot care behaviors to assess the effectiveness of the current educational approach. Methods: A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 involving 403 patients with diabetes in both inpatient and outpatient units of the department of endocrinology and metabolism at Cho Ray Hospital, a major tertiary referral center in Southern Vietnam. Data were conveniently collected using a validated questionnaire assessing foot care knowledge and practice. Results: The mean foot care knowledge score was 6.9 ± 2.11 (out of 10). Knowledge deficits were particularly evident in areas such as managing calluses and dry skin, wearing socks with shoes, avoiding walking barefoot indoors, and not soaking feet in hot water; only 30.8%–49.6% of patients answered these items correctly. Notably, just 6.2% were aware that moisturizers should not be applied between the toes. Higher educational attainment, longer diabetes duration, and history of amputation were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. The mean foot care practice score was 0.51 ± 0.13 (out of 1). Over 40% of patients continued harmful practices, including walking barefoot indoors, wearing slip‐ons, not using moisturizers for dry skin, and soaking their feet in hot water. Only 9.9% reported taking proper care when using new footwear. A one‐point increase in knowledge score was associated with a 0.03‐point improvement in foot care practice. Conclusions: Both foot care knowledge and practices among diabetic patients remain suboptimal in Southern Vietnam. While improved knowledge is associated with better practices, knowledge alone may be insufficient.