Knowledge and practices for the prevention of the diabetic foot.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the knowledge and practices performed by people for diabetic foot prevention.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, with a random stratified sample, comprised of 304 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The information was collected through an instrument designed by the researchers that assessed sociodemographic aspects, and level of knowledge and practices of the participants in diabetic foot care prevention.

RESULTS: In the assessment of diabetic foot care prevention, there was a low and average level of knowledge, whereas practices were moderately adequate.

CONCLUSIONS: The results for diabetic foot prevention knowledge and practices are not very encouraging. In light of this situation, primary care programs are important, where nurses provide effective education, as a mechanism for modifying the behavior of people with diabetes mellitus.