Prevalence and Risk factors of Diabetes foot ulcers in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Foot complications account for more hospital admissions than any other Diabetes Mellitus (DM) complications with adverse outcomes being foot ulcers and amputation. Objective:To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes outpatient clinics, medical and surgical wards of two hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Data was collected on Socio – demographic characteristics, type and duration of DM. The study subjects were assessed for presence and risk factors for foot ulcers. Results: We recruited 394 patients with DM (163 males and 231 females) with mean (SD) age and duration of DM of 50.8±12.5years and 7.72±6.65years respectively. Type 2DM was present in 95% of the study subjects. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) was present in 57(14.5%) of the patients. Risk factors associated with DFU assessed using univariate analysis were older age, longer duration of DM, presence of Peripheral neuropathy(PN), Peripheral arterial disease(PAD), diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, foot deformities, previous DFU and poor glycemic control. The independent determinants of DFU were previous DFU, foot deformities, retinopathy, PN, PAD and poor glycemic control. Conclusion: DFU can be relatively found in our setting and the predominant risk factors for DFU are common and still remain unchanged in our environment. This study therefore buttresses the effect of early detection and treatment of DM in preventing the complications that arise from the disease.