Abstract
Introduction:
Lower limb neuropathy is one the complications of diabetes mellitus and the most common cause of lower limb amputation. Hence information and self-care advice should be provided to primary healthcare patients to prevent this condition.
Objective:
To explore insulin users’ knowledge of foot self-care.
Methods:
This quantitative, descriptive, exploratory study was conducted at a Family Health Unit Curitiba-PR of Curitiba, PR, Brazil. The study sample comprised 63 insulin users. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire.
Results:
Although they reported performing self-care activities, 67% (n = 42) of insulin users declared that they had never received any information on foot self-care.
Conclusion:
The adherence to self-care practices shown by respondents and the patient empowerment observed in this study indicate the effectiveness of the information on diabetes self-care imparted to patients registered at this health care unit in contributing to the promotion of quality of life.
Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetic Foot. Health Knowledge; Attitudes; Practice. Primary Prevention