Factors Relating to Foot Ulcers in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetic persons are very high risk of getting foot ulcers that may lead to leg amputation, which further impacts their quality of life. This descriptive study aimed to investigate history of foot ulcers and identify the association with history of foot or toe amputation, foot condition, and foot care behaviors. It was conducted in 122 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted at Buddhachinaraj hospital, Phitsanuloke province. Data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation and chi-square test. It was found that some patients had certain abnormal foot conditions. However, the total mean scores of foot care behaviors were at a good level. For each dimension, the results showed that the mean scores of foot ulcer prevention behaviors were at a good level; foot cleaning behaviors and scanning for abnormal foot condi-tion behaviors were at a fair level. Factors that were significantly related to foot ulcers in persons with type 2 diabetes were foot condition (p<0.05) and history of foot or toe amputation (p<0.01). Foot care behaviors were not related to foot ulcers. The authors recommended that health care providers should focus on health education and skills in foot cleaning and foot assessment, particularly evaluation foot for those who have abnormal foot and have a history at toe or foot amputation.