Abstract:

This study was carried out to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of patients with diabetes mellitus on foot care and diabetes foot. It was also aimed at determining the educational needs of the patients about foot care. This study included 351 patients with diabetes mellitus who were hospitalized in Tokat State and Social Insurance Association Hospitals for a period of three months. The average age of the patients in the research group was 59.8 ± 10.8. It was determined that 74.4% of the research group were women, 72.4% housewives, and 74.9% of them were married. The educational level of the patients was found to be: 63.8% below primary school, 30.2% primary school, 6.0% high school or over. It was also found that 83. 8% of the subjects did not get enough information from health staff and 80.7% of the subjects stated that they got knowledge from the doctor. It was determined that 90.6% of the patients had the knowledge that there might be foot injuries in diabetes mellitus and 77.8% of them knew the foot injuries could result in amputation. Of the patients, 54.7% know that washing foot is important for foot health, 13.1% toenail care, 13.1% the necessity of not walking barefooted. The subjects who were informed of the foot care have more knowledge of washing foot, toenail and toe care, selection of shoes and stockings. Of the group 63.3% have 4-6 behavior scores. In conclusion, it was found that the patients with diabetes mellitus did not get enough information about the diabetes foot and their practice scores on foot care were low

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