The effect of a foot care camp on diabetic foot care knowledge and the behaviours of individuals with diabetes mellitus

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a foot care (FC) camp to enhance diabetic foot care knowledge (DFCK) and diabetic foot care behaviours (DFCB) among diabetic participants in Indonesia. Methods A two-group pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design was used in this study. A total of 72 participants completed a 5-week programme. The participants' DFCK and DFCB were examined in the fifth week using the Modified Diabetic Foot Care Knowledge (MDFCK) and the Modified Diabetic Foot Care Behaviours (MDFCB) questionnaires. Data were analysed by descriptive and independent t-tests. Results The mean score of DFCK (DFCK and DFCB in this study represent the score of knowledge and behaviors which gathered from MDFCK and MDFCB's questionnaires) in the experimental group after completing the FC camp was significantly better than that in the control group (p<.001). Similarly, the mean score of DFCB in the experimental group after completing the FC camp was significantly better than that in the control group (p<.001). Conclusions The FC camp was found to enhance DFCK and DFCB among diabetic patients. Therefore, this programme can be utilised for nursing practice in order to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and foot amputation.