Abstract

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There is evidence that appropriate footwear plays pivoted role in the management of diabetic foot problems and inappropriate footwear causes foot ulceration. Therefore, this work was aimed at investigating how footwear could be used to prevent or reduce diabetic foot problem. Structured questionnaires were designed and used to gather information from diabetic patients. The study was carried out at different hospitals in Kaduna State. The results obtained from the survey showed that up to 75% of the diabetic subjects have not received information about the type of footwear they should wear most often. The outcome of this research further showed very poor choice of footwear by people suffering with diabetes in Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was discovered that up to 53% female and 37% male of the patients were wearing slippers most often. Only 17% male and 13% female respondents wear shoes. Up to 29% male and 19% female were using sanders. The results also showed that 14% male and 15% female were wearing half-shoe. Only 2% and 1% male participants were using sneakers and boots respectively. None of the patients used custom-moulded footwear. The paper also highlights key areas that would require further research

Keywords: Footwear, Health Impacts, Diabetic Patients