Socio-Economic impact on families with Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Amputations

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the socioeconomic risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers amputations. Design: A prospective study. Setting: This study was conducted from January 1st to 30th June 2014 at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, KSA. Method: An availability sample of consenting adult diabetic patients was taken. Data related to socioeconomic position, age, gender, type of diabetes, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, body weight, height, blood pressure status, chronic complications of diabetes, and treatment types was gathered by inquiring the patient. The questionnaire checked about diabetes education received by the patients their consistency in attending follow up clinics and regular foot examination by the physician. Statistical analysis of these variables was calculated using SPSS version 16. Result: Exceedingly substantial differences between the 2 study groups regarding the presence of diabetic complications high sugar fat diet (P=0.000). More than 40% of patients without foot ulcers reported no complications compared by only 8% of patients with ulcers. More than 88% of those with ulcers reported high sugar fat diet compared with only about half of this percent in those without ulcers. Remarkable difference was also found in patient knowledge about DM (P=0.003). Conclusion: Superior quality of care and treatment is recommended to decrease diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. Patients and primary care physicians should be educated about proper follow up of diabetes mellitus. Socioeconomic factors related to diabetic foot in Saudi patients’ needs more controlled studies.