KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING DIABETIC FOOT ULCER MANAGEMENT AT SPHMMC, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is a developing global health concern, with rising prevalence posing substantial challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. A significant consequence of diabetes is the increasing prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers, which often results from poor assessment and management practices. It is crucial to conduct thorough evaluations of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare practitioners regarding diabetic foot ulcer management in urban areas of Ethiopia to address these challenges effectively Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and Practice of Health care providers regarding the management of diabetic foot ulcers at SPHMMC, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Method: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 health care professionals from December 30, 2024 up to Feburary, 2025 G.C. A stratified sampling was employed to select study participants from the hospital. The data was collected online using Google format and then was exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship dependent and the independent variables. Variables with P-value <0.25 was entered into multivariable binary logistic regression and finally P-value < 0.05 will be considered as statistically significant in this study. Result: The study revealed that while 76.7% of healthcare providers had good knowledge of DFU management, 73.3% demonstrated poor practices. Additionally, 61% exhibited unfavorable attitudes. Limited training and the absence of standardized DFU guidelines(AOR = 0.279, 95% CI: 0.117–0.666) were key contributing factors. Institutional support, structured training(AOR = 0.292, 95% CI: 0.165–0.518), and peer discussions(AOR = 2.978, 95% CI: 1.491–5.949) were identified as critical in improving DFU management. Conculsion: Gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers regarding diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) management at SPHMMC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, may adversely affect patient outcomes. Despite many providers demonstrating good knowledge, deficiencies in attitudes and clinical practices reveal a disconnect between knowledge and care. Barriers such as limited access to guidelines and insufficient training were identified, while engagement in peer discussions and educational resources correlated with better knowledge. These findings highlight the urgent need for structured training programs, standardized guidelines, and enhanced institutional support to improve DFU management. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and include patient perspectives to further enhance diabetic foot care Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, practice, health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia