[Evaluation of the knowledge of preventive measures for the diabetic foot in patients of Rio Branco, Acre].
The diabetic foot is one of the main complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) of high socio-economic impact, characterized by foot lesions resulting from neuropathy, ischemia and infection. To verify the knowledge of preventive measures for the diabetic foot in a public health institution in Rio Branco, Acre, between August 2002 and February 2003 patients with type 2 DM (n= 109 patients, 71.6% female) were evaluated regarding their clinical-epidemiological history, demographic attitudes towards DM control and preventive care of the feet, before and after attending an informative educational program. There was a significant improvement of knowledge of preventive measures for the diabetic foot after the program (p< 0.0001), as well as for the attitudes towards DM control (p< 0.0001). We conclude that the population sample evaluated is unaware of preventive measures for the diabetic foot and of attitudes related to glycemic control. The utilization of educational programs, easily implemented in health centers, might reduce the rates of lower extremity amputation in patients with DM.
Cosson
Ionar C de Oliveira
IC
Fundação Hospital Estadual do Acre, Rio Branco, AC. ionarcosson@uol.com.br
Ney-Oliveira
Fabrizio
F
Adan
Luís Fernando
LF
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires