dc.description.abstract |
People with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of
foot ulceration, making foot complications one of the
most frequent reasons for hospitalisation. We conducted
a case control study with 60 diabetes patients with foot
ulcers recruited as cases, and 120 diabetes patients without
foot ulcers as controls. Odds ratios were calculated
as measures of association for demographic, clinical, and
behavioural risk factors. Stratified analysis and logistic
regression were carried out. Glycaemic control, nail
care, and adherence to medication were poor among
the cases. Calluses on the feet (OR 3.7) and a blood
pressure (BP) above 130/80 (OR 3.05) elevated risk of
developing foot ulcers, while appropriate shoes (OR
0.43), examining feet regularly (OR 0.134) and having
a prescribed diet and exercise plan (OR 0.30) conferred
protection from foot ulcers. No fungal infections (OR
0.2) and having appropriate foot care education (OR
0.30) were significant protective factors specifically
among males and females respectively. Many risk factors
for diabetic foot ulceration are amenable to diabetes
healthcare intervention. |
en_US |