A questionnaire-based survey on patient’s interpretation and physiotherapy awareness in diabetic neuropathy

Salima Mulla, Sailee Shetkar, Anushka Sanap, Navami Upadhyaya

Department of Community Physiotherapy, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT

Physiotherapist plays an important role in prevention of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) by planning of exercise protocol and educating about the foot self-care behaviors. Thus, the objective of the study was to determine their interpretation and level of Physiotherapy awareness. Diabetic neuropathy population identified in the community screening camps were included after the final confirmation by the Diabetologist. Patient Interpretation of Neuropathy (PIN) Questionnaire (modified version) was given to the participants. Responses were obtained on the Likert scale. Descriptive statistics was used for finding the mean, percentage & standarddeviation.70%of the participants were uncertain about the causal domain; 74% were uncertain about the duration and course, 64% were uncertain about the physical consequences domain and 50% were uncertain about the controllability domain. Majority had a good interpretation score for nature (70%) and emotional consequences (78%) domain. Higher the education levels, better was the interpretation score. 66% of the participants were uncertain about the role of Physiotherapy in DPN. Among those who had agreed for the awareness domain, 48.46% of the participants had moderate level of Physiotherapy awareness. There is a strong need to formulate educational strategies to change their interpretation in the causal, duration and course, physical consequences and controllability domain, also increase awareness among the DPN population regarding use of Physiotherapy intervention like planning of exercise protocol & counselling for following foot self-care behaviors in the early stages of DPN as a preventive approach so that the holistic approach of Diabetic care is met.

Keywords:

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy; Interpretation; Awareness; Physiotherapy; Foot self-care; Aerobic exercises