CARE KNOWLEDGE AND HABITS EFFECT OF AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DIABETIC FOOT

Abstract

The aim was to determine the effect of an educational intervention based on participatory methodology to improve the knowledge, care habits and reduce the risk of diabetic foot among people with type 2 diabetes in mutual-help groups in the state capital of San Luis Potosí. Methods: Pre-experimental study, with three measurement moments: pretest, posttest and a test six months after the educational intervention. The intervention was developed in ten sessions with 77 members of mutual-help groups in the state of San Luis Potosí. Studied variables: knowledge of foot-care habits and foot condition. Results: The statistical analysis of these variables showed a significant difference (p> 0.001) between the pretest and posttest, which can be attributed to the effect and retention of what was learnt during intervention. 49.3% of the study population was identified as having risk level 1 for the development of diabetic foot. Conclusions: The educational intervention positively modified diabetic foot knowledge, care and general foot condition, which can help decrease the risk of diabetic foot.