Awareness of use of foot orthosis among people with diabetic foot complication in Bangladesh

Background: Diabetic foot complications are a major cause of disability, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life among people with diabetes. Foot orthoses play an important role in preventing and managing diabetic foot complications by reducing plantar pressure, improving stability, and minimizing the risk of ulceration and amputation. However, awareness and utilization of foot orthoses remain poorly understood in Bangladesh. To assess awareness of foot orthosis and examine its association with orthosis use among individuals with diabetic foot complications in Bangladesh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 individuals with diabetic foot complications recruited from healthcare facilities in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, perception, self-efficacy, behavior, and use of foot orthosis. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and correlation analyses were performed to examine relationships between awareness, orthosis use, and selected demographic and clinical variables.
Results: Overall awareness of foot orthosis was low, with 92% of participants classified as having low awareness and none demonstrating high awareness. Knowledge regarding foot orthosis was particularly limited, with 78% of participants reporting low knowledge levels. Despite this, participants demonstrated positive perceptions regarding diabetic foot risks and the benefits of foot orthosis (91% and 100%, respectively), and most reported high self-efficacy (87%). Awareness was significantly associated with educational attainment (p = .001) and self-efficacy (p = .049). A significant association was observed between awareness and foot orthosis use (χ² = 53.06, p < .001). Furthermore, participants who used foot orthoses demonstrated significantly higher awareness scores than non-users (Mann–Whitney U = 10.00, p < .001).
Conclusion: Awareness of foot orthosis among individuals with diabetic foot complications in Bangladesh is considerably low despite positive perceptions and self-efficacy related to foot care. Greater awareness was associated with increased orthosis utilization, highlighting the importance of patient education and counseling. Targeted awareness programmes, improved access to orthotic services, and integration of foot orthosis education into diabetic foot care may enhance preventive practices and reduce the burden of diabetic foot complications.