Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of diabetic patients in Jeddah city regarding diabetic foot and its care, and to determine their attitude towards diabetic foot care and their daily life practices related to foot care.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using an anonymous Google Form questionnaire. Participants aged 20 years and older from both genders were recruited via social media platforms. The data were collected on sociodemographic factors, foot care behaviors, and risk awareness.
Results: Among 319 participants, 54.9% were young adults (20-40 years), 53% were women, 57.1% were married, and 72.1% held a university degree or higher. Additionally, 74% reported a family history of diabetes. Participants showed moderate knowledge of diabetic foot complications: 79% identified gangrene, 77% recognized foot ulcers, and 74% acknowledged sensory loss risks. However, only 46.7% understood smoking’s impact on foot health. Older participants (>50 years), married individuals, and those with a family history of diabetes showed better knowledge. Attitude and practice were predominantly poor (79.3%), with no significant demographic differences observed. Only 39.8% reported good practice, with women outperforming men (46.2% vs. 32.7%, p-value = 0.019).
Conclusion: The study revealed significant gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding diabetes foot care, emphasizing the need for improvement. The findings highlighted the importance of tailored interventions considering age, gender, marital status, and education level. Future researchers should address knowledge deficits, promote positive attitudes, and encourage best practices for diabetes foot care. Targeting diverse demographic groups can enhance awareness and health outcomes.

Key words: Knowledge, attitude, practice, diabetic foot, Saudi Arabia.