Knowledge and Awareness of Footwear to prevent Foot Injuries among Female University Students

Foot Injuries represent a prevalent concern among university students, with females facing heightened vulnerability due to factors such as biochemical differences, footwear preferences, and lifestyle choices. Emphasizing the importance of suitable footwear and promoting awareness regarding foot health and injury prevention becomes imperative, particularly considering the extended durations students spend traversing and remaining stationary on campus. A cross-sectional survey study was undertaken among female university students to assess their knowledge and awareness regarding footwear and foot injury prevention through self-administered questionnaire. A survey was conducted to validate the questionnaire before getting it filled in by the participants. A survey was undertaken involving 309 voluntary participants, encompassing female individuals and university age groups, who willingly completed the questionnaire. Among the 309 individuals surveyed, 62.5% indicated awareness regarding the influence of footwear on foot health. The presence of foot pain and discomfort demonstrated a notable correlation with unsuitable footwear. Notably, participants also reported feeling discomfort in other parts of their bodies due to inadequate footwear selections. Foot injuries are common among female university students due to the frequent preference for fashionable footwear, which can have substantial consequences. Providing education on appropriate footwear selection and evaluation during purchases can effectively reduce the incidence of various foot injuries.

足部损伤是大学生群体中普遍存在的健康困扰，女性群体因生化特性差异、鞋类（footwear）偏好与生活方式选择等因素，面临更高的发病风险。鉴于大学生在校园内需长时间行走与静立，普及适宜鞋类选择知识、提升足部健康与损伤预防意识显得尤为必要。本研究针对女大学生群体开展横断面调查研究，通过自填式问卷（self-administered questionnaire）评估其对鞋类与足部损伤预防的认知水平。在正式发放问卷前，先完成了问卷的信效度验证。本次调查共纳入309名自愿参与的大学年龄段女性受试者，均独立完成问卷填写。调查结果显示，62.5%的受访者知晓鞋类对足部健康的影响。足部疼痛与不适与不合脚的鞋类存在显著相关性；此外，受访者还报告因鞋类选择不当，身体其他部位也出现了不适症状。由于女大学生常偏好时尚鞋类，足部损伤在该群体中较为常见，且可带来诸多显著不良后果。通过在购鞋环节普及适宜鞋类的选择与评估知识，可有效降低各类足部损伤的发生率。