Diabetic ulcers remain one of the leading causes of prolonged hospitalization, lower-limb amputation, and increased healthcare costs among patients with diabetes mellitus. Effective wound care depends largely on the knowledge and clinical practices of healthcare providers. This study assessed the knowledge and wound care practices of healthcare providers managing diabetic ulcers in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). A mixed-method research design was adopted. A total of 199 healthcare providers (nurses and doctors) were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire, observation, and review of patients’ medical records. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and linear regression were used for data analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that healthcare providers had a high level of knowledge regarding diabetic ulcer wound care (grand mean = 3.30). However, the utilization of recommended wound care practices was generally low (grand mean = 1.63), with traditional gauze dressing being the most frequently used method, while advanced wound care techniques and patient education were poorly utilized. Regression analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between healthcare providers’ knowledge and healing outcomes (R² = 0.020, p = 0.370). Similarly, wound care practices did not significantly predict healing outcomes (p = 0.090).  Although healthcare providers demonstrated good knowledge of diabetic ulcer wound care, this knowledge was not consistently translated into evidence-based clinical practice. Strengthening continuous professional education, ensuring availability of modern wound care resources, and promoting adherence to standardized clinical guidelines are essential for improving diabetic ulcer management and patient outcomes.

Keywords: Diabetic ulcer, wound care, healthcare providers, knowledge, wound care practices, healing outcomes.