Prevalence and the Risk Factors Assessment of Active Diabetic Foot Ulcer among Adult Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Diabetic Clinic in St. Peter`S Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are common, complex, costly, and disabling complications of diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcer represents a major healthcare burden and harms patients’ quality of life. A diabetic foot ulcer is an underestimated and redoubtable diabetes complication; however, the risk factors for developing diabetic foot ulcers are manageable. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence and the risk factors assessment of active diabetic foot ulcer among adult diabetes mellitus patients enrolled in Diabetic Clinic St. Peter Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 3 to November 17, 2022. The sample size was determined using the single population proportion formula. The consecutive sampling method was used. Data collection had done by using an interview administered structured questionnaire. The outcome variable was measured in the based-on Thai version of the questionnaire for Diabetes-Related Foot Disease. Using Epi 3.1 data, the data were coded, entered, and cleared before being exported to SPSS software Version 26 for Windows for analysis. Descriptive and binary logistic regression used were in the analysis. To screen the candidate variables with a p-value less than 0.25 in the bivariate model used to analyze To avoid confounding variables effects adjusted odd ratio was calculated at a 95% confidence interval and considered significant with a p-value less than 0.05 in multivariate analysis. Result: The prevalence of active diabetic foot ulcers among adult diabetes mellitus patients was 21.6%. An active diabetic foot ulcer was associated with a previous history of foot ulcer (AOR:3.447,95%CI:1.491,7.971,p=0.004), calluses on the foot (AOR;2.408,95%CI:1.032,5.623, p=0.042), blisters on the foot (AOR:2.145(1.053,4.371) p=0.036), and being a current smoker (AOR: 5.014(1.150,21.85) p=0.032). According to the international working group diabetes factors, the risk classification for active diabetic foot ulcer among diabetic patients were 41.28%, 10.09%, 15.14%, 12.39%, 11.93%, and 9.17% for groups 0, 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, respectively. Conclusion and Recommendations: The present study revealed a high prevalence (21.6%) of active diabetic foot ulcers. The presence of a previous history of diabetic foot ulcer, calluses on the foot, blisters on the foot, and current smokers were all significant predictors of the development of a diabetic foot ulcer. We recommended routine risk screening and health education for diabetic patients enrolled in a healthcare facility to combat diabetic foot ulcer related health complications