Determinants of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study at Mardan Medical Complex
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i6.3044Keywords:
Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Neuropathy, Risk Factors, Pakistan.Abstract
Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) represent a serious complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus and are linked with high morbidity, disability, and healthcare costs, especially in low- and middle-income nations. Risk factors should be detected early to prevent the development of ulcers and to decrease the level of complications. Objective: To determine the determinants of diabetic foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study carried out at Mardan Medical Complex, a partner of Bacha Khan Medical College between December 2024 and March 2025. Non-probability consecutive sampling was used to include 175 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A structured proforma was used to collect data comprising of demographic, clinical, and behavioral variables. The presence of diabetic foot ulcer was taken as the outcome variable. An analysis was performed on data with the help of SPSS 25. Analysis was done using chi-square test and logistic regression with a p-value of 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.6 ± 10.8 years, and the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers was 35.4%. Significant determinants of DFU included duration of diabetes >10 years (p=0.001), uncontrolled HbA1c (p=0.032), peripheral neuropathy (p<0.001), peripheral vascular disease (p=0.001), smoking (p=0.018), poor foot hygiene (p=0.002), walking barefoot (p=0.019), and previous history of foot ulcer (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified peripheral neuropathy, prolonged disease duration, poor foot hygiene, and previous ulcer history as independent predictors. Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcers are common among patients with type 2 diabetes and are strongly associated with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Early screening, patient education, and strict glycemic control are essential to reduce the burden of DFU
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