Background Diabetic foot complications constitute a major public health problem worldwide, especially in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the prevalence of diabetes is high. Our study was designed to determine the pattern and type of amputations performed on patients with diabetic foot admitted to a tertiary center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; we also aimed to determine the 7-year mortality rate of patients with diabetic foot at the same institution. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted between January 2013 and September 2020 at a tertiary center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It included all patients previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who presented to the hospital with either diabetic foot ulcers or foot gangrene (dry/wet/gas). The medical records of 358 patients were reviewed to acquire information regarding demographics, admission history regarding diabetes and its outcome, medical and surgical history, the level of amputation, and the presence of infection. Results Among the participants, 84.9% underwent amputation, 38.2% underwent minor amputations, 40.1% underwent major amputations, and 21.7% underwent both types of amputation. The most common cause of amputation was infection (50.3%). There were 75 deaths and a 7-year mortality rate of 20%. Low mean hemoglobin and high mean creatinine levels were significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.05). Conclusion Efforts to decrease the risk of amputation and mortality among patients with diabetic foot complications are required. Early detection of the risk factors and intervention in specialist centers with a multidisciplinary approach is essential.
Background and purpose Role models in the medical field are professional and experienced persons whose actions unconsciously inspire juniors to strive to be like them. To our knowledge, no studies have examined whether having a female surgical role model has influenced women to pursue a surgical career in Saudi Arabia. Hence, we sought to evaluate whether identifying role models in surgery influences career choice and defined the ideal qualities of a surgical role model as perceived by newly qualified doctors. Methods We employed a cross-sectional, survey- based study design, conducted between June 2020 and January 2021, in which female surgical residents completed a questionnaire about their perceptions and influence of role models in general surgery specialty at the time they pursue a career in surgery. Results A total of 51 respondents completed the questionnaire. The majority of them (78.4%) had a role model and (19.6%) indicated that their role model was a female. Of those who had a role model, (67.5%) agreed that they experienced a positive influence on their surgical career choice. Clinical and operation skills were reported as the most remarkable factor to be considered in their role models. Working directly with a male surgical consultant and female surgical residents imprinted a positive influence but this did not reach a statistical significance. Conclusion The findings of this article contribute empirically to the strong effects of the same-sex role models and highlight the curial role of surgical residents in influencing female’s career choices in general surgery as an achievable and attainable domain. Which encourage the creation of national mentorship programs and exploring more in barriers for pursuing a surgical career.
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