KNOWLEDGE, SELF-CARE AND RISK FOR ULCERATION IN THE LOWER LIMBS OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES MELLITUS IN A MUNICIPALITY IN THE ZONA DA MATA REGION OF PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify knowledge about DM, self-care and the risk of developing lower limb ulcers (LLLL) in people assisted by primary health care in Vitória de Santo Antão-PE. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory, quantitative study, carried out from August 2023 to January 2024, through two questionnaires (Date-Q and Clinical evaluation form in lower limb for the prevention of diabetic foot). The study had a sample of 81 participants, where it was noted that 92.4% of the interviewees were unaware of the function of the glycated hemoglobin test, as well as the expected value for it. Regarding self-care, 79% did not wash/dry their feet correctly and 55.6% did not have the habit of examining them daily. 60.5% of the interviewees had some level of risk for the development of ulcers in lower limbs and, of these, 46.9% had risk 2, which is associated with the presence of Loss of Plantar Sensitivity (PSP) along with the presence of signs and symptoms that are related to Peripheral Arterial Obstructive Disease. The lack of knowledge about the self-management of the disease and its complications, the presence of deficits in foot self-care and the risk of developing ulcerative lesions in the MMI identified in this study signal the need for educational measures aimed at improving knowledge, self-care and reducing the risk of complications resulting from the disease.