Factors associated with wound healing outcome among Diabetic Foot patients- A cross sectional Study

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has been identified as the leading reason for hospitalization among patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes are at greater risk of complications, the most important of them are diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders leading to the development of foot ulcers. The problem is generally faced and as well is considered as one among the most common complications of diabetes that affect millions of people all over the world. The current study, aimed to document the clinical profile and healing outcome of diabetic foot ulcer management which may become guidance for further improvement in wound management among diabetic foot ulcer patients. Cross sectional descriptive study was conducted over one-year period of time. A total of 246 Diabetic patients with a foot ulcer of Grade 1 to 3 participated in the study. Patients with higher grade ulcers of Grade 4 and 5 were excluded from the study. Final data analysis of 160 patients was done using SPSS version 20. The prevalence of Grade 2 and 3 ulcers were observed 54.37% and 31.8 % while Grade 1 ulcer was observed 13.75%. No risk factors were found to be significantly associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Wound was healed well in 50 % and partially healed in 21 % of the participants. Wound remains unchanged in 3 % of study participants, while 8% of participants underwent toe amputation. Foot ulceration is a preventable in many diabetic patients with adequate education, routine foot care and attention to foot wear.