Foot Care Knowledge, Practices, and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in a Tertiary care hospital, Tamil Nadu: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder where foot complications significantly impact patients' quality of life. Objectives were to assess the knowledge and practice of foot care and to find the prevalence and predictors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Materials and Methodology: This mixed method study was conducted in outpatient department of General Medicine (Non-communicable disease clinic) of a tertiary care hospital from August 2024 to June 2025 among the type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients attending the NCD clinic. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data and In-depth interview for qualitative data. Chi square test and binary logistic regression were used to find association between the risk factors and DPN, and predictors of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) respectively.

Results: The prevalence of DPN was found to be 37.8%. Around 96% of the participants had the knowledge of taking medications regularly to avoid diabetic complications and 96.5% of them had the practice of washing their feet regularly. Occupation, duration of diabetes and presence of other co-morbidities were associated with Diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Poor practice, abnormal body mass index, presence of other co-morbidities were found to be significant predictors of DPN. Lack of knowledge and physical limitation stated as reasons for poor foot care practices.

Conclusion: Despite good knowledge and foot care practices, factors such as poor practice habits, abnormal BMI, co-morbidities, and lifestyle factors like alcohol use were key predictors, underscoring the need for comprehensive diabetes management strategies.