Factors associated with severity and anatomical distribution of diabetic foot ulcer in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers are characterized by disturbances in the epidermis and/or a portion of the dermis in patients with the disease. With over a million amputations performed annually, it has also emerged as one of the primary causes of lower limb amputation globally. To better understand the severity and anatomical distribution of ulcerated areas in patients with type II diabetes mellitus, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, from July to September 2023. The study population was selected using a purposive sampling technique based on the patients' availability during their usual and regular treatment at MARMCH. Using a Bangla questionnaire data was obtained to evaluate the DFUs, in addition to measuring blood pressure and assessing the affected area's neurological function. The severity of the ulcer is calculated by using the Wagner grading system. Data was analyzed by using STATS v15 and chi-square was applied. A total of 113 DFU patients took part in this study. The mean age in years was 56 ± 12 (SD + mean) and the male proportion was greater (61.9%). Most of them (93.91%) were negligent about foot care and suffered from severe DFU (86.37%). The majority of respondents (57.94%) had a right foot ulcer, of which 94.50% had severe ulcers. Almost all ulcers were severe (86.14%) and measured <5 cm in diameter (69.71%). The results highlight the tremendous burden of DFUs, which can have serious consequences and substantial mental and economic effects on patients' healthcare systems.