Effectiveness of Health Education in Improving Foot Care Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Diabetics at an NCD Clinic in Chennai

Background: Proper foot care techniques, a good outlook, and adequate education are necessary for the effective avoidance of diabetic foot problems. The purpose of this study was to assess how health education affected the knowledge, attitudes, and foot self-care practices of diabetic patients. Methods :This was a quasi-experimental (before and after) study conducted for a study period of 12 weeks (December-February 2023) at the Rural Health Training Centre, Poonamallee Primary Health Care Centre (PHC), among persons with diabetes over the age of 30 years who are on regular follow-up of treatment and willing to participate in the study. We interviewed all the patients in 2 phases, before and after intervention, using a questionnaire. Scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were computed both before and after the intervention. Results: Following the intervention, the knowledge score [median score pre-intervention (pre) = 5.6, median score post-intervention (post) = 6.6] (p-value = 0.021), practice score [median score pre = 3, median score post = 4.8] (p-value = 0.001), and total score (p-value = 0.001) all significantly increased. The increase in attitude score after intervention was marginally non-significant [median score pre = 4.0, median score post = 5.0] (p-value = 0.058). Conclusion: In order to lower the prevalence of diabetic foot problems, educational initiatives that raise community knowledge of diabetic foot care must actively engage the community.