Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an illness in which the body does not produce adequate insulin or it does not utilize it in helping cells to take in glucose to use for energy and this leads to increase in blood glucose level. It is also called as “silent disease.”

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the effectiveness of teaching program on the knowledge and practice of foot care management of clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to find the association between pre-test knowledge and practice scores with selected demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative research approach with one group pre-test-post-test design was selected to carry out the study. A total of 60 clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Pre-test data were collected by conducting structured interview and using structured knowledge questionnaire and self-reported practice checklist on foot care management. Teaching program consisting of instructions as well as demonstration on foot care management was given to the participants on the same day and after 7 days the post-test was done.

Results: The pre-test mean knowledge score of participants was 9.8 ± 2.2 which was increased to 13.5 ± 1.94 in the post-test. The pre-test mean knowledge score of clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with sociodemographic variables such as occupation, family history, and gender. The pre-test mean practice score of participants regarding foot care was 8.7 ± 2.12 which was increased to 12.5 ± 2.09 in the post-test. The pre-test practice score of clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was not significantly associated with any of the sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion: The teaching program on foot care management was useful in enhancing the knowledge and practice of clients with types 2 diabetes mellitus.

Key words: Effectiveness; Structured Teaching Program; Knowledge; Practice; Foot Care Management; Clients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus