Diabetic foot is a severe complication of diabetes, with serious consequences such as amputations and high mortality rates as well as elevated economic costs. To evaluate whether or not nursing staff follow the recommendations of national and international organizations regarding diabetic foot prevention, a cross-sectional and observational descriptive study was carried out using an ad hoc self-administered questionnaire validated by seven experts, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.731. Of the total 164 participants, 157 met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that 96.58% asked their patients to remove their footwear, 78.34% performed thorough examinations, and 80.25% assessed the risk of developing diabetic foot. Participants educated their patients in self-care and evaluated skills related to diabetic foot control either frequently (84.07%) or very frequently (62.42%), and only 19.11% of them carried out group activity workshops. Significant statistical differences were found in the performance of activities in the groups by participant age intervals, whether working in primary health care or a hospital, having specific training, and the participant’s DM patient ratio. We obtained high percentages of compliance in the assessed activities in comparison to other studies. Nevertheless, we believe it is necessary to encourage screening in specialized care, skills testing, and the implementation of educational group activities and workshops.
Background: There is a paucity of data on the relationship between backpack use and foot posture in children. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a backpack on foot posture in children with neutral foot posture during three years of follow-up. Methods: A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted in a sample of 627 children with neutral foot. For each participant included in the study, age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, type of schoolbag (backpack or non-backpack), foot shape, metatarsal formula and type of shoes were recorded. Foot posture was described by the mean of the foot posture index (FPI) and reassessed after three years in a follow-up study. Results: The average age of the children was 8.32 ± 1.32 years. A total of 458 used a backpack when going to school. Over the three-year follow-up period, 50 children who had neutral foot developed supinated foot (n = 18) or pronated foot (n = 32). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the children using a backpack were at a higher risk of developing pronated foot (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 2.05, 95% IC: 1.08–3.89, p = 0.028). Backpack use was not associated with the change from neutral foot to supinated foot. Conclusions: We found a positive association between using a backpack and the risk of developing pronated but not supinated foot. Clinical trials should be conducted to analyze the effect of backpack use on the foot among schoolchildren.
Background: Child footwear, both in pathologies and in normal situations, can affect the foot in various ways depending on its characteristics. Below, some features of child footwear are described, and how they can influence the foot, including suitable size, shape and design, flexibility, and transpirable material; inadequate footwear includes situations with flat foot, equine foot, and hammer toes. It is important to highlight that each child is unique and may have different footwear needs. In case of specific pathologies or concerns, it is recommended to consult a specialist in podology or foot medicine for personalized assessment and recommendations. Methods: The present systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Children’s footwear must adapt to all stages of children’s growth, starting from when they begin to walk, to promote the correct evolution of their musculoskeletal system. For up to six months, they do not need to wear shoes; socks and similar clothing are enough to warm your feet like a second skin. The flexibility of respectful footwear is essential between six months and three or four years. From that age onwards, the soles can be somewhat thicker, and the buttress can have a certain firmness, but the shoes should remain flexible. Conclusions: Eco-friendly footwear, which typically comes from small businesses and factories, is sometimes described as “ergonomic footwear”. However, there is some reluctance towards this term. When choosing this type of footwear for children, it is important to not just look at the label; rather, one should verify that it meets all the necessary characteristics to be considered respectful.
Background: Schoolchildren often spend a lot of time carrying a backpack with school equipment, which can be very heavy. The impact a backpack may have on the pronated feet of schoolchildren is unknown. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the backpack use on static foot posture in schoolchildren with a pronated foot posture over 36 months of follow-up. Methods: This observational longitudinal prospective study was based on a cohort of consecutive healthy schoolchildren with pronated feet from fifteen different schools in Plasencia (Spain). The following parameters were collected and measured in all children included in the study: sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, metatarsal formula, foot shape, type of shoes, and type of schoolbag (non-backpack and backpack). Static foot posture was determined by the mean of the foot posture index (FPI). The FPI was assessed again after 36 months. Results: A total of 112 participants used a backpack when going to school. Over the 36-month follow-up period, 76 schoolchildren who had a static pronated foot posture evolve a neutral foot posture. Univariate analysis showed that the schoolchildren using backpacks were at a greater risk of not developing neutral foot (odds ratio [OR]: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.08–4.09). The multivariate analysis provided similar results, where the schoolchildren using a backpack (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.02–3.82) had a significantly greater risk of not developing a neutral foot posture. Conclusions: A weak relationship was found between backpack use and schoolchildren aged from five to eleven years with static pronated feet not developing a neutral foot posture over a follow-up period of 36 months.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. The aim of our study was to detect people susceptible to DM among a university population aged 18 to 45 years and analyze the existence of modifiable risk factors in order to implement prevention programs, in addition to analyzing BMI data related to the variables under study. We proposed a descriptive, cross-sectional study following the recommendations of cross-sectional studies (STROBE), with a sample of 341 subjects, students enrolled at the University of Extremadura, carried out by two researchers. The research protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Extremadura (165/2021). The study considered the Findrisk questionnaire in Spanish, validated by the Blackboard Study, a stadiometer to measure height, a bioimpedance meter to evaluate weight and body composition parameters, and a blood pressure monitor to measure blood pressure. The results indicated that the participants had a low risk of suffering T2DM. The highest Findrisk test scores were found in those with a BMI value above 25, lower physical activity, poor dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, and increased fat mass. Our future research will be the implementation of T2DM prevention programs, acting on modifiable factors.
Background/Objectives: Emotional eating has been linked to neurobiological mechanisms similar to those observed in addictive behaviors, and this occurrence appears not fully understood, even in academic communities/environments. To supplement existing information, a preliminary assessment of university students’ emotional eating patterns, nutritional status, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes has been performed in this current work. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 129 students from the University of Extremadura, Spain. Emotional eating was assessed using the Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ) and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire—Spanish version (TFEQ-R18(SP)) questionnaires, while type 2 diabetes risk was evaluated through the Finnish Diabetes Risk (FINDRISC) score test. Anthropometric data, including height, weight, BMI, and body composition, were collected using standardized measurement protocols. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Significant differences were observed in BMI (mean ± SD: 23.93 ± 5.36 kg/m2) and total EEQ score (mean ± SD: 9.82 ± 5.82) across FINDRISC risk categories (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The Very Emotional Eaters group presented higher BMIs and FINDRISC scores, along with greater score dispersion. No significant differences were identified in EEQ subscales. Conclusions: Emotional eating behaviors may serve as indirect indicators of metabolic vulnerability, particularly when combined with excess body weight. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating emotional regulation and mindful eating strategies into health promotion programs for young adults.