A comparison of health status in patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcerations and minor foot amputations

Abstract

The aim of this study was to get a better understanding of the general health status between people living with either a chronic foot ulceration or minor foot amputation. A non-experimental prospective design study was conducted on 39 subjects living with Type-2 diabetes; 17 patients with ulceration for at least 3 months and 22 patients with a digital or transmetatarsal amputation for at least 6 months. The Short-form 36 version 2 was used to evaluate health status in the study group. A significant difference was found between patients living with chronic foot ulceration or minor foot amputations (p=0.006) with subjects with a minor amputation reporting a better general health status. Further statistical analysis comparing the eight scales of the SF-36 v2 identified four significant health domains including Physical Functioning [p=0.021], Role Physical [p=0.002], Vitality [p=0.011] and Role emotional [p=0.015] between the ulceration group and the toe- or- transmetatarsal- amputation group. Diabetic foot ulcerations remain a major concern for patients, healthcare givers and family members. This study has concluded that patients with foot ulcerations have decreased health status including physical, emotional and social function. Better strategies for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcerations including better clinical decision making regarding treatment, early intervention and prompt referral to the multidisciplinary diabetic foot team is warranted. Cultural issues should also be considered to ensure appropriate care.