Prevalence and determinants of lower extremity amputations among type I and type II diabetic patients: A multicenter‐based study

The incidence of diabetes‐related lower‐extremity complications is increasing globally, yet the condition in developing countries, particularly those in sub‐Saharan Africa, is unclear. This study determined the prevalence and determinants of lower extremity amputations among type I and type II diabetic patients at health facilities in the Volta Region, Ghana. This was a multicenter‐based study involving 473 diabetic patients. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical, biochemical, and anthropometric data were obtained systematically with a pretested structured questionnaire. The prevalence rate of lower extremity amputations (LEAs) was 1.9%. LEAs were linked to the male gender (unadjusted odds ratio [UOR] = 5.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44‐23.82; P = 0.013), smokers (UOR = 10.12; 95% CI = 2.63‐38.91; P = .001), type I diabetic patients (UOR = 4.74; 95% CI = 1.24‐18.10; P = .023), family history of diabetes mellitus (UOR = 9.18; 95% CI = 2.25‐37.46; P = .002), diabetic foot ulcers (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 8.62; 95% CI = 1.58‐47.62; P = .013) and obesity (AOR = 6.20; 95% CI = 1.00‐38.04; P = .049). This study showed a relatively low prevalence rate compared to previous studies within Ghana. However, it is a major concern in public health that needs to be addressed since diabetes‐related LEAs are connected to global major morbidity and mortality.