Prevalence of tinea pedis among type II diabetic patients at a diabetic centre in Iskan polyclinic, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Tinea pedis is a common fungal infection that is more prevalent among patients with compromised immunity. Due to the vascular and immunity compromisation in diabetic patients, they remain more susceptible to tinea pedis than other patients. This study explores the prevalence of tinea pedis among diabetic patients and its risk factors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a qualitative study that involves a survey analysis for diabetic patients at a diabetic center in Iskan polyclinic in Riyadh. The survey included questions about patients’ demographics, foot hygiene practices, and previous and current tinea pedis infections. Results: A total of 61 diabetic patients were included in this study. The prevalence of tinea pedis among type 2 diabetes mellitus was 11%. Among the total, 31.3% of the sample were in the age group of 60 years old and above; 89.2% used nail scissors regularly; 89.8% washed their feet more than three times daily, and 71.5% of the patients examined their feet and toes. Further, 82.3% did not have tinea pedis before, 48.5% of patients had their feet examined previously by a doctor. Factors significantly contributing to tinea pedis were male gender (p-value = 0.031), older age (p-value = 0.008), lower educational level (p-value = 0.036), wearing socks (p-value = 0.023), a previous history of tinea pedis (p-value < 0.001), being examined by a doctor (p-value = 0.002), higher HbA1c values (p-value = 0.029), and longer duration of having diabetes (p-value = 0.016). Conclusion: Tinea pedis was found common among diabetic patients in Riyadh city, with an estimated one in every ten diabetic patients. Similar studies are required in other areas in Saudi Arabia.