FREQUENCY OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS AND ITS IMPACT ON FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AT SAIDU GROUP OF TEACHING HOSPITAL SWAT

Abstract

A diabetic foot ulcer DFU is a skin lesion that affects the epidermis and section of the dermis with presently or formerly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and is commonly associated with neuropathy. Globally, the prevalence of DFU is 6.3%; it affects the quality of life, limits mobility and physical functions and imposes a substantial psychological impact on a person’s life, leading to stress and depression. This study determines the frequency of diabetic foot ulcers and their effects on patient’s functional limitations and psychological well-being. Three hundred-one patients were recruited from the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital. Three questionnaires were used: Wagner Grading Classification, Barthel Index, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Prevalence of DFU was found in 20.3% of patients with DM. Among these, 46% of patients had Grade 1 DFUs, and 21.3% had Grade 2, followed by Grade 5, which was prevalent in 14.7% of patients. 44.26% of males and 34.43% of females had moderate stress levels, whereas 8.20% of males and 1.64% of females reported high-stress levels. Severe functional limitation was seen in 26.23% of males and 8.20% of females, who are severely dependent, whereas 29.51% of males and 21.31% of females were moderately dependent. A positive correlation was found between DFU, perceived stress levels, and functional limitation (p<.001). A significant difference was found in the mean square of Barthel index and PSS with DFUs i.e., F (5, 295) = [1141.118], p<0.001 and F (5,295) = [1248.909], p<0.001 respectively. The study concluded that foot ulcers have a positive correlation with functional limitation and psychological stress and in the current study every 5th DM patient has a DFU, which has directly affected their mental and physical health. Hence the increased severity increases the functional limitations and psychological stress levels.