Prevalence and related risk factors of diabetic foot ulcer in Ahvaz, south west of Iran

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer and its related risk factors. Materials and methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 605 patients with diabetes were evaluated in July 2014. A checklist was used to obtain demographic data, diabetes related data, past medical history, and physical examination data. Results The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 6.4% (95% CI: 4.64–8.73). Seventeen cases of them were female (4.9%). In univariate analysis, the following variables had statistically significant relationship with DFU prevalence: diabetes duration, educational level, 10 g monofilament sensation, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Patients' age, glycemic control and smoking did not show any significant relationship with DFU. After logistic regression analysis, the patients with decreased 10 g monofilament sensation had DFU more than patients with normal sensation (OR = 8.84, 95% CI: 3.5–22.3). Abnormal ABI increased the odds of DFU (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.3–24.18). The DFU prevalence in patients with diabetes duration of 11–20 years, was more than patients with ≤5 years (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.33–10.8).The odds of DFU development in educated patients compared with illiterate patients was 0.27(95% CI: 0.12–0.57). BMI had a significant relationship with DFU prevalence. The odds in overweight patients was 0.259(95% CI: 0.108–0.623) and in obese patients was 0.263 (95% CI: 0.1–0.687). Conclusion The prevalence of DFU was 6.4% in this study. Final associated risk factors of DFU were decreased 10 g monofilament sensation, abnormal ABI, diabetes duration, educational level and BMI.