Abstract
The prevalence of foot problems is a rising health issue as the world population is ageing. In Africa, foot problems are presenting serious public health challenges due to increased incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases (Diabetes Mellitus and musculoskeletal disorders). Foot complications have been reported as the main cause of hospital overstay leading to loss of mobility, poor health-related quality of life, and mortality. In Africa, the high incidence of foot complications has been linked to a lack of foot care and footwear knowledge, lack of infrastructure and equipment, and to a lack of trained health professionals such as Podiatrists. The aim of the study was to assess the need of opening a Podiatric service in Gabon.
A total of two hundred and thirty-six (236) participants were selected. This sample included one hundred and ninety-six (196) patients and forty (40) healthcare providers. The quantitative aspect of this study was covered by patients’ examination (foot screening for pathologies) whereas the qualitative part was achieved by means of a survey filled by healthcare providers in order to retrieve information about their day to day experience with patients complaining of foot problems.
The analysis of the data confirmed that people complaining of foot problems are over 50 years of age with a predominance of females. The most common foot pathologies were nail disorders, ulcers, callus, fungal infections, foot pain and tenderness, including foot deformities. This study provided further evidence that foot problems are common in people with Diabetes Mellitus, Arthritis, and Hypertension; and many patients were found to be using poor fitting shoes. Alarmingly most healthcare providers had poor knowledge on foot care and prevention of foot complications. It was clearly established that there was no specific protocol followed by healthcare providers for patients at risk to develop foot complications which was attributed to the lack of awareness on foot risk classifications, a lack of material and hospital resources, as well as a lack of expertise with regards to foot care. Foot amputations were found to be the most likely outcome of foot complications which often resulted in a loss of functional abilities...
M.Tech. (Podiatry)