Background: Diabetes mellitus is characterized by a lack of glycemic control, which may cause damage to the small and large blood vessels and nerves, leading to changes in the foot. Most of the diabetic foot complications, which result in amputation, begin with the formation of skin ulcers. Thereby, this study was conducted to study the frequency of foot examination among diabetic patients by family physicians in Riyadhs primary health centers.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. The questions were answered by family physicians in a different primary care in Riyadh . Assessment questions were recorded using the Likert scale, with a total score range of 1260. Scores were compared according to different characteristics using student t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The present study included 199 family physicians. Gender, nationality, work time, and status were not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) associated; however, the location was significantly (p = 0.027) associated with the assessment frequency score.
Conclusion: A lack of taking patients histories and conducting frequent examinations of the foot might lead to multi-morbidities, such as foot amputation. Frequent assessments and examinations, as well as education on the optimization of glycemic control, diet, smoking cessation, and further foot care, are very effective measures. There is a need for increased screening awareness and promotion of self-care among patients to decrease the complications of the diabetic foot, which may affect patients daily life and well-being.
Key words: Diabetes mellitus, foot ulcer, family physicians, diabetic complications, diabetic foot
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