Background: Diabetic foot is considered as an important issue among diabetic patients requiring further investigation. This study aimed to determine the diabetic foot status among the patients referred to special clinics for diabetes in Sabzevar in 2013.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients referred to a special clinic for diabetes in Sabzevar. To collect the data, a questionnaire was developed based on the extended parallel process model that acts as the main theoretical framework of behavior change. After confirming the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, it was completed by 400 patients. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software and analyzed using chi-square and t-test.
Results: The patients’ mean score of knowledge was 50.8+17.95 indicating moderate knowledge level. Besides, their mean score of perceived sensitivity of the risk of diabetic foot and its outcomes was 67+12.79, their mean score of perceived efficacy of the suggested strategies regarding observing health issues was72.1+14.04, and their mean score of perceived severity of risk of diabetic foot was 60.9+17.42. Finally, the mean scores of self-control and self-efficacy were 69.8+14.4 and 73.4+15.43, respectively. The results showed a significant relationship between the patients’ age and the mean score of knowledge, perceived severity of the disease, and perceived efficiency of the recommended strategies. Also, a significant correlation was found between perceived severity and sex as well as between job classification and self-care.
Conclusion: This study showed that the patients had moderate knowledge regarding diabetic foot and its consequences. Their perceived severity of diabetic foot was also at moderate level. Therefore, interventions based on the extended parallel process model are recommended to increase such patients’ perceived severity of diabetic foot.