Assess The Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Diabetic Foot Care at Private Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) contributes substantially to global morbidity and mortality, with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) representing a common yet preventable complication. In low- and middle-income countries, particularly Pakistan, limited research exists on nurses’ knowledge and practice patterns regarding diabetic foot care, despite their critical role in prevention and management. Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge and practice regarding diabetic foot care among nurses working in private hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, and to identify key gaps that may inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from February to June 2025 among 32 registered nurses randomly selected from internal medicine and intensive care units. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire and observation checklist assessing knowledge and practice related to diabetic foot care. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and subgroup analyses were performed using SPSS v27, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Nurses demonstrated moderate to high knowledge overall, with 78.1% recognizing sensory abnormalities as critical indicators. However, awareness of risk factors such as neuropathic sensory-motor loss (68.8%) and hygiene-related risks (75.0%) varied. Prior DFU training was associated with higher practice scores (mean 76.7 vs 69.4; r=0.67 vs r=0.18 correlation with knowledge). No significant differences were observed by department or shift. Conclusion: While overall knowledge and practices were acceptable, notable gaps remain in specialized areas of diabetic foot care, highlighting the need for structured, context-specific nurse education and institutional policies to promote standardized care.