BMC Public Health (Mar 2023)

Factors associated with severity and anatomical distribution of diabetic foot ulcer in Uganda: a multicenter cross-sectional study

  • Bienfait Mumbere Vahwere,
  • Robinson Ssebuufu,
  • Alice Namatovu,
  • Patrick Kyamanywa,
  • Ibrahim Ntulume,
  • Isaac Mugwano,
  • Theophilus Pius,
  • Franck Katembo Sikakulya,
  • Okedi Francis Xaviour,
  • Yusuf Mulumba,
  • Soria Jorge,
  • Gidio Agaba,
  • George William Nasinyama

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15383-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract Background Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, amputation rate and economic burden. This study aimed at identifying the anatomical distribution and factors associated with severity of DFU in Uganda. Methodology This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in seven selected referral hospitals in Uganda. A total of 117 patients with DFU were enrolled in this study between November 2021 and January 2022. Descriptive analysis and modified Poisson regression analysis were performed at 95% confidence interval; factors with p-value 5 cm in diameter. The majority (50.4%, n = 59) of patients had one ulcer. 59.8% (n = 69) had severe DFU, 61.5% (n = 72) were female and 76.9% had uncontrolled blood sugar. The mean age in years was 57.5 (standard deviation 15.2 years). Primary (p = 0.011) and secondary (p 10 cm diameter (p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusion Most DFU were located on the right foot and on the plantar region of the foot. The anatomical location was not associated with DFU severity. Neuropathies and ulcers of > 5 cm diameter were associated with severe DFU but primary and secondary school education level and eating vegetables were protective. Early management of the precipitating factors is important to reduce the burden of DFU.

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