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Illiteracy and diabetic foot complications
Juma M Al-Kaabi1, Fatma Al Maskari2, Paul Cragg3
1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University , Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Primary Care Diabetes
|June 2, 2015
Summary
Illiteracy in diabetic patients in the UAE is linked to poor foot care and more complications. Educating illiterate individuals is crucial for better diabetes management and reducing risks.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in the United Arab Emirates.
- Diabetic complications, particularly foot problems, require further investigation in this region.
- This study focuses on the impact of illiteracy on diabetic foot care and complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between illiteracy and foot care practices in diabetic patients in the UAE.
- To identify the impact of illiteracy on the prevalence of diabetic foot complications.
- To highlight the need for targeted educational strategies for illiterate diabetic patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 422 adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes was recruited from a UAE hospital.
- Data was collected through questionnaires on foot care and problems, supplemented by clinical examinations.
- Trained healthcare professionals including a nurse, endocrinologist, and podiatrist conducted patient assessments.
Main Results:
- 51% of enrolled patients were illiterate, showing significantly less foot care practice, awareness of risk factors, and use of proper footwear.
- Illiterate diabetic patients had a higher likelihood of developing complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, hypertension, and obesity.
- Literacy, female gender, and a history of foot ulcers were identified as predictors of practicing good foot care.
Conclusions:
- Illiteracy presents significant barriers to diabetes self-management and increases the risk of foot complications.
- Healthcare providers must recognize the vulnerability of illiterate diabetic patients.
- Effective educational interventions are essential to improve disease understanding and reduce complications in this population.
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