ABSTRACT

Skin diseases seen on the feet increase in the university environment due to factors such as shared living conditions, failing to provide adequate hygiene, lower economic status, length of daily walking and wearing shoes continuously. Our aim in this study was to determine the skin diseases seen on the feet of university students, to specify the students' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding foot health and foot care, and to reveal the risk factors playing a role in the development of these diseases.

A total of 302 university students who consulted the dermatology specialist in the Medico– Social Health Center due to any disease on their feet and agreed to participate in the research were included in the study. Subjects were requested to respond to a questionnaire.

The most common foot diseases of the participants were tinea pedis (24.8%), sweaty feet (24.2%), and foot callosities (23.2%). The rates of being male gender, age 23 and above, low father’s education level (primary school or lower), living in a rural area, failing to dry the feet properly and adequately after washing, and cutting the toenails improperly were found at a significantly higher rate in patients with fungal disease.

Educational activities regarding the protection of foot health and using healthy shoes should therefore be carried out in this age group.