The Burden of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the burden of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and to assess the relative associations with some precipitating factors. Subjects for this study were diabetic patients with foot ulcers/gangrene. Their case files were retrieved and information obtained with regards to age, sex, duration of diabetes mellitus (DM), precipitating factors of diabetic foot ulcers, length of hospitalization and outcome of the ulcer/gangrene. Investigations done included wound/urine microscopy, culture, and sensitivity. The data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The student t-test was used and p< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results showed a male preponderance in the ratio of 1.9:1 and a mean age of 54.9 years ±6.5. The mean DM duration was 7.8 years, mean length of hospitalization was31.6days amp;± 8.6, while the prevalence of amputation was 24.3%. DFU was more prevalent among subjects in the 51-60 years age group and among males than females (p<0.05). Amputation appears to be significantly associated with precipitating/risk factors of DFU. Thus, good foot hygiene, provision of specialist foot wear and prompt treatment of DFUs are strongly encouraged to reduce the increasing prevalence of handicapped diabetics in our society.Keywords: Diabetic burden, Foot ulcers, Aba, Nigerians