Factors associated with severity and anatomical distribution of diabetic foot ulcer in Uganda: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, amputation rate and economic burden. This study aimed at identifying the anatomical distribution and factors associated with severity of DFU in Uganda. Methodology This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in seven selected referral hospitals in Uganda. A total of 117 patients with DFU were enrolled in this study between November 2021 and January 2022. Descriptive analysis and modified Poisson regression analysis were performed at 95% confidence interval; factors with p-value < 0.2 at bivariate analysis were considered for multivariate analysis. Results The right foot was affected in 47.9% (n = 56) of patients, 44.4% (n = 52) had the DFU on the plantar region of the foot and 47.9% (n = 56) had an ulcer of > 5 cm in diameter. The majority (50.4%, n = 59) of patients had one ulcer. 59.8% (n = 69) had severe DFU, 61.5% (n = 72) were female and 76.9% had uncontrolled blood sugar. The mean age in years was 57.5 (standard deviation 15.2 years). Primary (p = 0.011) and secondary (p < 0.001) school educational levels, moderate (p = 0.003) and severe visual loss (p = 0.011), 2 ulcers on one foot (p = 0.011), and eating vegetables regularly were protective against developing severe DFU (p = 0.03). Severity of DFU was 3.4 and 2.7 times more prevalent in patients with mild and moderate neuropathies (p < 0.01), respectively. Also, severity was 1.5 and 2.5 higher in patients with DFU of 5–10 cm (p = 0.047) and in those with > 10 cm diameter (p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusion Most DFU were located on the right foot and on the plantar region of the foot. The anatomical location was not associated with DFU severity. Neuropathies and ulcers of > 5 cm diameter were associated with severe DFU but primary and secondary school education level and eating vegetables were protective. Early management of the precipitating factors is important to reduce the burden of DFU.

Early intervention and care for Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Low and Middle Income Countries: Addressing challenges and exploring future strategies: A narrative review

“…A body of research has underscored the adverse consequences associated with delayed diagnosis, including an elevated risk of infection, amputation, and mortality. [4][5][6][7][32][33][34] Within LMICs, investigations have consistently demonstrated that early identification of DFUs confers numerous advantages, encompassing higher healing rates, reduced amputation frequencies, decreased health care expenditures, and enhanced overall quality of life for affected individuals. [4][5][6][7] The contrast in mortality rates between LMICs and HICs further underscores the significance of early identification.…”

“… 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 32 , 33 , 34 Within LMICs, investigations have consistently demonstrated that early identification of DFUs confers numerous advantages, encompassing higher healing rates, reduced amputation frequencies, decreased health care expenditures, and enhanced overall quality of life for affected individuals. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 …”

“… 3 , 4 , 5 Consequently, DFUs in LMICs are often diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to more complex wounds and an elevated risk of amputation and mortality. 4 , 6 , 7 …”

“…Patient‐centric outcomes, encompassing wound healing rates, amputation incidence, quality of life, and health care resource utilization, offer invaluable insights into the effectiveness of management approaches. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 …”

Role of community-based health clubs in promoting patients’ health education for diabetes self-care management: an interventional qualitative study in a Ugandan urban setting

“…Surveys with small sizes have, for example, revealed that diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and non-traumatic lower limb amputation in Uganda. 16 In addition, 27% of the diabetics are obese, 36% are overweight 17 and 4% have diabetic foot, 18 yet majority are not aware that they may develop reduced blood flow in their feet caused by smoking. 19 …”