Background of the Study
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, significantly affecting the quality of life of individuals with diabetes. These ulcers are a major cause of morbidity and are responsible for high healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stays, amputations, and rehabilitation (Oni et al., 2023). Preventing and managing DFUs is a multifaceted task that requires a collaborative effort from healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, who play a crucial role in the early detection, education, and ongoing management of these ulcers. Nurses are responsible for assessing the patient's risk factors, providing wound care, educating patients on proper foot care, and ensuring adherence to treatment plans (Iwu et al., 2024).
At Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, the management of diabetic foot ulcers is a critical aspect of diabetes care, given the high prevalence of diabetes in the region. Despite the availability of effective strategies for preventing and managing DFUs, studies indicate that gaps in nurses’ knowledge and practice may hinder optimal patient outcomes. Nurses are often the first point of contact in diabetes care and must be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge to detect early signs of foot complications and educate patients on preventive measures (Adeyemo et al., 2023). However, it remains unclear whether nurses at FMC Asaba are adequately trained or adhere to best practices in the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers.
The importance of addressing this issue cannot be overstated, as DFUs are preventable with proper care. This study aims to examine the role of nurses at FMC Asaba in preventing and managing diabetic foot ulcers, identify gaps in their knowledge and practice, and recommend strategies for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Diabetic foot ulcers are a preventable complication of diabetes, yet their incidence continues to rise, contributing to significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Nurses at FMC Asaba play a critical role in the prevention and management of DFUs, but there is limited research examining their knowledge and adherence to best practices in this area. If nurses are not well-equipped with the necessary skills, DFUs may go undiagnosed, leading to more severe complications such as amputations. This study will explore nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding DFU prevention and management at FMC Asaba.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the level of nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers at FMC Asaba.
To evaluate the role of nurses in educating patients with diabetes about foot care and preventing diabetic foot ulcers.
To identify barriers nurses face in preventing and managing diabetic foot ulcers at FMC Asaba.
Research Questions
What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers at FMC Asaba?
How do nurses at FMC Asaba educate patients with diabetes about foot care to prevent diabetic foot ulcers?
What challenges do nurses at FMC Asaba face in preventing and managing diabetic foot ulcers?
Research Hypotheses
There is no significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of diabetic foot ulcers and their ability to prevent and manage the condition at FMC Asaba.
Nurses who have received specialized training on diabetic foot ulcer management are more likely to implement effective prevention and management strategies.
Environmental factors such as staffing levels and availability of resources do not significantly affect nurses' ability to prevent and manage diabetic foot ulcers at FMC Asaba.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working in the diabetic care unit and wound care services at Federal Medical Centre, Asaba. It will assess their knowledge and practices related to diabetic foot ulcer prevention and management. The study is limited by the sample size, which will be restricted to nurses working at FMC Asaba, and potential biases in self-reported data.
Definitions of Terms
Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs): Open sores or wounds that develop on the feet of diabetic patients, often due to poor circulation or neuropathy.
Preventive Care: Actions taken to prevent the onset of diabetic foot ulcers, including patient education on foot care and proper footwear.
Wound Management: The medical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, including cleaning, dressing, and monitoring the healing process.
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