Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Severity of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Patients with Diabetes Referred to a Diabetes Centre in Kermanshah

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar (BS) levels and the change in the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and insulin resistance, and is one of the main causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Among the different types of complications, which have many negative effects on personal and social life, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is very important. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the severity of DFU among patients with diabetes. METHODS: The study participants included 190 diabetic patients with a diagnosis of DFU. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire for self-care awareness and functions in diabetic patients and Wagner’s scale. The questionnaire was answered in cooperation with patients and the Wagner’s score was estimated by a wound supervisor in the diabetes center. RESULTS: There was 109 women (57.4%). Twenty-six patients had other diabetic complications as well as DFU. The average score of awareness in patients was 6.99±2.76 and the function was 62.22±9.92. The results found a direct relation between the age and the duration of illness with the score of the patient’s awareness (P=0.008, P=0.000). There was also a direct relation between the level of education with score of awareness and the score of function in self-care (P=0.000, P=0.000), but the statistical results did not find any relation between awareness and the function in self-care of patients with the severity of DFU (P>0.05). DISCUSSION: There was no relation between the self-care awareness and function with severity of DFU (P>0.05) that can be due to the more relation between DFU severity with hygiene and physical factors after the disease and the effect of awareness and function would be only in the incidence of the DFU. CONCLUSION: Awareness and function of patients in self-care is less than average. Increasing awareness of patients and empowering them through appropriate training can be effective in preventing diabetic foot ulcers.