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Table 6 Accuracy rates for knowledge questions according to profession

From: Foot care knowledge and practices among Japanese nurses and care workers in home care and adult service center: a cross- sectional study

N = 225

Subscales

Item

Nurses

Care workers

Differences

p value

N

% Accuracy

n

% Accuracy

Nail 1

Cutting a toenail shorter than the tip of the toe may cause a curly nail, and/or an ingrown nail.

58

96.7

125

75.8

20.9

0.000**

Nail 2

A toenail can be cut easier after soaking nails in warm water for 5–10 min.

57

95.0

148

89.7

5.3

0.216

Nail 3

Toenails protect the end of the foot and support body weight when walking.

55

91.7

120

72.7

19

0.003**

Nail 4

When a nail is yellowed and rough, a fungal infection is the suspected cause.

55

91.7

146

88.5

3.2

0.494

Nail 5

The color of the nail can be used as barometer of general health.

57

95.0

154

93.3

1.7

0.647

Skin 1

Moisturizer should be applied immediately after taking a bath.

50

83.3

129

78.2

5.1

0.397

Skin 2

Corns and calluses have the same meaning.

45

75.0

103

62.4

12.6

0.079

Skin 3

Repeated friction and stimulation cause the keratin in the sole of the foot to become thicker.

49

81.7

118

71.5

10.2

0.124

Skin 4

Skin tear on an older person’s upper arms or elbow joints are often produced when a caregiver adds extra pressure when assisting movement.

38

63.3

66

40.0

23.3

0.002**

Skin 5

Skin tear on lower limbs often occurs by coming into contact with appliances such as footrests.

52

86.7

101

61.2

25.5

0.000***

Skin 6

Because there are no sebaceous glands on the soles, oil is unavailable, and the sole becomes dry easily.

38

63.3

95

57.6

5.7

0.437

Vascular and Neurologic 1

If the client suffers from severe diabetes, foot sensitivity is reduced and pain may not be noticed even though he/she was injured.

60

100.0

143

86.7

13.3

0.003**

Vascular and Neurologic 2

When only one foot only suddenly becomes cold, blood vessels may be blocked by blood clots.

58

96.7

103

62.4

34.3

0.000***

Vascular and Neurologic 3

Small wounds on an older person may develop into an ulcer if left without treatment.

58

96.7

134

81.2

15.5

0.004**

Vascular and Neurologic 4

Signs of infection are flares (reddish tinge), swelling, pain and a feeling of heat.

56

93.3

134

81.2

12.1

0.027*

Vascular and Neurologic5

Even though pain is felt on one foot after a period of walking, it will go away after rest. Consequently, there is no need to worry.

52

86.7

144

87.3

−0.6

0.905

Toe and Arch 1

There is no relationship between foot or toenail deformation, and pain in the waist or neck.

51

85.0

121

73.8

11.2

0.078

Toe and Arch 2

When one of the three arches on the foot collapses, various problems occur.

52

86.7

112

67.9

18.8

0.005**

Toe and Arch 3

A stiff ankle is more likely to make a person stumble or fall.

59

98.3

137

83.0

15.3

0.002**

Toe and Arch 4

Toe deformity influences the muscular strength of lower limbs.

58

96.7

152

92.1

4.6

0.227

Toe and Arch 5

Toe flexor exercise increases the calf muscle pump function of lower limbs.

60

100.0

128

78.0

22.0

0.000***

Infection 1

Fungal bacteria can be removed from the nail clippers using alcohol.

43

71.7

126

76.4

−4.7

0.471

Infection 2

When medical appliances are shared among clients without sufficient sterilization, infection spreads.

59

98.3

155

93.9

4.4

0.176

Infection 3

The bucket used for foot baths is cleaned only by rinsing with hot water.

45

75.0

126

76.4

−1.4

0.832

Shoes and Socks 1

The client’s shoes have approximately 1–1.5cms space, measured from the longest toe, and allow the toes to move freely.

34

56.7

83

50.3

6.4

0.398

Shoes and Socks 2

Corns and calluses are not influenced by the type of socks worn.

31

51.7

97

58.8

−7.1

0.340

Shoes and Socks 3

Shoe sizes are not absolute and vary by a maker.

53

88.3

142

86.1

2.2

0.657

Shoes and Socks 4

Shoes with a well-fixed heel prevent foot slippage.

29

48.3

98

59.4

−11.1

0.139

Sedentary Behavior 1

Walking for 1 h a day is enough to compensate for long sedentary periods.

54

90.0

146

88.5

1.5

0.749

Sedentary Behavior 2

Falls that happen when an older person moves from sitting to standing can be prevented by planning from the care worker.

44

73.3

117

70.9

2.4

0.722

  1. Chi-square test *p < 0.05
  2. **p < 0.01
  3. *** p < 0.001
  4. Among the 232 participants, 225 (96%) answered all questions regarding knowledge
  5. Answer: yes = 1, no = 2, I do not know = 3