Assessment of nursing and midwifery students’ knowledge of treatment of diabetic foot syndrome using Lucilia servicata larvae

Background. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases, and in recent years its prevalence has been systematically increasing. Untreated or ineffectively treated diabetes leads to the development of many complications. Among these that can significantly affect the quality of life is diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Larvotherapy is a therapeutic method of treating wounds arising during the course of DFS. Aim of the study. The main objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of nursing and midwifery students on the treatment of DFS using Lucilia sericata larvae. Material and Methods. This study is a cross-sectional, observational study in which 202 nursing and midwifery students of Opole University were surveyed. The study was conducted online between June and November 2020, using a questionnaire developed by the authors. Results. The analysis showed considerable variation in the level of students' knowledge of treatment techniques for DFS. Those with the highest level of knowledge represented 39.15% (n=79), the average level of knowledge was represented by 28.2% (n=57), and the lowest level of knowledge was represented by 32.7% (n=66) of students. Regarding biosurgery in general, the highest level of knowledge about biosurgery was represented by 48.0% (n=97) of students. Nursing students had a higher level of knowledge than midwifery students regarding DFS treatment methods (p=0.001). There was no difference in the level of knowledge about biosurgery between nursing and midwifery students (p=0.503). Conclusions. The research presented in this study indicates that nursing and midwifery students have insufficient knowledge of DFS treatment methods and biosurgery. Nursing students are more likely than midwifery students to derive knowledge of DFS treatment methods from their studies and the literature. Education on treatment methods and techniques for DFS should be increased among students. Students' knowledge can be increased by classes in the course of their education and meetings with professionals.