Quality of Life Aspects Associated with Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients at Alzomra Medical Center, Shendi Teaching Hospital, and Almak Nimir Hospitals (March to August 2024)

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, leading to high morbidity, frequent hospitalizations, and a significant decline in quality of life (QoL). This issue is particularly pronounced in resource-limited settings like Sudan, where underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure complicates effective management.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the QoL of patients with DFUs and identify factors influencing QoL in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains among patients treated at Alzomra Medical Center, Almak-Nimir Hospital, and Shendi Teaching Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2024 at Alzomra Medical Center, Almak-Nimir, and Shendi Teaching Hospital, involving 102 diabetic foot ulcer patients. Data were gathered using validated QoL assessment tools, including the Diabetes Foot Ulcer Scale (DFS) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Additional data on demographics, duration of diabetes, wound characteristics, and treatment regimens were collected. Statistical analysis explored correlations between QoL outcomes and factors such as gender, age, wound severity, and the hospital of treatment.

Results: Most patients were male (71%) and aged between 41–60 years, with Type 2 diabetes being the predominant form (81%). A majority of patients had lived with diabetes for less than 10 years. Pain interference, activity limitations, and frustration were the primary factors negatively impacting QoL. The domains most affected were physical functioning and psychological well-being, with mobility limitations and pain playing significant roles. Despite these challenges, no statistically significant differences were observed in QoL outcomes based on gender, age, or hospital of treatment, indicating consistent care across facilities.

Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcers significantly impair quality of life, particularly in physical and psychological domains. Pain management, improved mobility support, and psychological counseling are essential to enhancing patient outcomes. The consistent quality of care provided at Alzomra Medical Center, Almak-Nimir, and Shendi Teaching Hospital highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing DFUs in resource-limited settings. Future research should concentrate on long-term strategies for recurrence prevention and overall patient well-being improvement.