Personal footcare guidance: equality impact assessment

Annex A

Additional Information Gathered

Age

Older Adults:

• Natural ageing leads to thinning skin, joint wear, reduced muscle strength.
• Common issues include poor blood flow, swelling, nail changes, and foot pain.
• Conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and ulceration are more prevalent.

Children and Young People:

• Limited data available.
• Foot/ankle consultations are higher in the 10–14 age group, especially among males.

Disability

Intellectual Disabilities:

• Higher prevalence of foot disorders, flat feet, joint mobility issues, and bone deformities.
• Challenges include communication, understanding, and awareness of foot care needs.

Physical Conditions:

• Diabetes, autoimmune conditions (e.g. arthritis, lupus), and sensory impairments increase foot health risks.
• Barriers include reduced awareness, physical limitations, and delayed recognition of problems.

Mental Health:

• Foot pain is linked to increased anxiety and depression.

Dementia:

• Individuals may struggle to communicate foot issues.
• Carers play a key role in identifying and managing foot health.

Sex

• Women are three times more likely than men to seek podiatric care.
• Women report higher levels of foot pain.

Maternity and Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes:

• Increases risk of foot problems due to high blood glucose affecting nerves.
• Up to 50% of women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

General Pregnancy Issues:

• Swelling and foot pain are common, especially in the third trimester.
• Difficulty finding suitable footwear and reduced physical activity are noted.

Gender Identity / Transgender People

• 14% of trans individuals have been refused GP care.
• 40% report negative healthcare experiences due to gender identity.
• 70% experience transphobia in general healthcare.
• 57% avoid seeking medical care when unwell.

Sexual Orientation

• LGBTQ+ individuals face poorer health outcomes and discrimination.
• 23% have witnessed anti-LGBT remarks by healthcare staff.
• 16% report negative experiences due to sexual orientation.
• Many are not open about their orientation with their GP.

Race

• Poorer health outcomes are reported among White Gypsy/Irish Traveller, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani communities.
• South Asian and Black individuals often feel less listened to in primary care.
• Gypsy/Travellers report higher rates of long-term conditions.
• Discrimination is more prevalent among queer, trans, and intersex people of colour (QTIPoC).
• Type 2 diabetes risk is higher among South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean, and Black African populations.

Religion and Belief

• 5% of respondents feel their religion affects their treatment in primary care.
• Limited data on patient experience.
• Hygiene practices vary across religions and cultures, which may influence foot care needs