Barriers to Diabetes Foot Care Practices among Diabetes Patients Attending Diabetes Clinic in Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is becoming a major public health concern of the 21st century globally, with disproportionately great socioeconomic liability globally. Prevalence continues to rise resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. This has been associated with the development of chronic complications such as cardiovascular, eye, renal diseases and foot problems. Foot ulcerations related to peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease has led to distressing health consequences as well as amputations among the diabetics. This study aimed at establishing barriers to foot care practice among diabetes patients attending diabetes clinic in Embu County, Kenya. A descriptive survey targeting a population of 1413 type 2 diabetic patients and 12 key informants was the target population of the study. From this, a sample size of 301 participants and 12 key informants were drawn to take part in the study using fischer et al formular. Participants were sampled from the selected DM clinics. Self-administered questionnaires and focused group discussion was used for data collection. Data was thematically analyzed and results presented in narration and tables. Major barriers identified were impaired vision and knowledge deficit. This was backed by health care provider perception barrier that; health education given had little effect on foot care practices. Evident from the findings was inadequate delivery of services due to staff shortage as well as a communication barrier and patient’s negative attitude. Intensive campaigns on the practice of the recommended diabetic foot care practices in management of diabetes are suggested with human and material resource support from the government.