ASSOCIATION OF LEVEL OF EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION WITH DIABETIC FOOT ULCER IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Objective: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a well-known microvascular complication of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with several risk factors. This study intended to determine the association of the level of education and occupation with the severity and outcome of DFU in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from 1st January 2023 to 25th January 2023 in the Endocrinology Division of the Department of Medical Specialties, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Adult diabetic patients with DFU were enrolled in the study. All the relevant demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics were measured. Results: Out of 148 patients, only 50 (33.8%) patients were educated. The study participants had a mean age, BMI, HbA1c, and duration of DM of 56.48 years, 27.3 kg/m2, 10.3 % and 9.4 years, respectively. There was a substantial association between the level of education and occupation with the severity of DFU which was statistically significant (p-value = 0.001 and p-value = 0.01, respectively). Regarding the outcome of DFU, it was found that patients with medium and high levels of literacy and skilled occupation had lower rates of major amputations. These results were statistically non-significant however they were found to be clinically significant. Conclusion: A significant association was observed between the education level and occupation with the severity and outcome of DFU. This underpins the significance of structured education of patients with low and medium literacy levels and those with unskilled and semiskilled jobs regarding their foot care. Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Foot ulcer, Occupation