Diabetic Foot Awareness Among Healthcare Professionals In KSA: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot complications pose a significant burden on healthcare systems, with prevention and management heavily reliant on the awareness and practices of healthcare professionals. This systematic review aimed at assessing the level of awareness regarding diabetic foot among healthcare professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies from electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus, supplemented by grey literature and reference list searches. Studies published from inception to [insert date] were included, with no language restrictions. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies assessing awareness of diabetic foot among healthcare professionals in KSA we[1]re eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, with data extracted using a standardized form. Methodological quality assessment was performed, and data were synthesized narratively.

Results: The initial search yielded 61 studies, with three studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies, conducted by Alsaigh et al., Qutob et al., and Alsheikh et al., utilized cross-sectional study designs to assess various aspects of diabetic foot care in Saudi Arabia. While Alsaigh et al. highlighted good knowledge but poor practices among participants, Qutob et al. found that healthcare providers generally prioritize foot care, with certain factors influencing their emphasis. Conversely, Alsheikh et al. identified knowledge gaps among primary care providers, particularly in diagnosing and managing diabetic foot infections. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of enhancing awareness, attitudes, and practices surrounding diabetic foot care among healthcare professionals in KSA.

Conclusion: This systematic review protocol outlines a comprehensive approach to assessing the awareness of diabetic foot among healthcare professionals in KSA. By synthesizing existing evidence, it aims to inform strategies for improving diabetic foot care practices and ultimately reducing the burden of diabetic foot complications in the region.