Determinants of Foot Ulcer in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

• Main Authors: Fong-Hung Tsai, 蔡奉宏
• Other Authors: Ching-Huey Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2003
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/92935901498796177798

碩士 === 國立成功大學 === 護理學系碩博士班 === 91 === 　　Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in Taiwan. Diabetic Foot Ulcer is one of the major causes of mortality among DM patients. The foot ulcer may induce not only physical suffering among DM patients, but also severely influence their psychological and social function. The quality of life of these patients may be disrupted and the substantial healthcare expenses may increase. However, limited studies have been conducted in Taiwan to explore the determinants of foot ulcer among DM patients. It is not until these determinants are fully understood, it is difficult for health professionals to develop effective strategies to prevent the foot ulcer prevalence in DM patients. 　　Based on the results of the literature review, this study will first list those related factors of diabetic foot ulcer. The severity of the factors as influencing on the developing of diabetic foot ulcer will then be investigated. The factors include demographic characters, disease conditions, physical conditions, foot conditions, and self-care behaviors of foots. 　　Case-control study will be conducted to determine the major influencing factors of foot ulcer. Purposive sample method will be applied to recruit subjects from two medical centers and one hospital in Tainan. Thirty DM patients with foot ulcer and 60 DM patients without foot ulcer history will be recruited. Data will be collected through medical records, physical examinations, and structured questionnaires. SPSS 10.0 for Windows will be used to analyze the data which included descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression. 　　The results showed that diabetic patients with foot ulcers had a significantly higher HbA1c and lower self foot care practice scores. They also had more serious questions about peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease. Logistic regression analysis indicated that there were three determinants which were HbA1c, peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. And the most factors contributing to the development of ulcers were adequate foot care behaviors. 　　The results of this study may enhance the understanding of health professions to the determinants of foot ulcer among DM patients. As a result, effective strategies can be developed, and the care of the DM patients may be improved.