Abstract:
Background Diabetic foot ulcer is common cause of amputation around the world. Diabetic
amputation has been increasing in Ethiopia. However, incidence of diabetic foot ulcer and its
predictors were less studied in Ethiopia. Predictors of Diabetic foot ulcer have been less studied
in Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Therefore, this study could assess
incidence of diabetic foot ulcer and its predictors.
Objective to assess incidence of diabetic foot ulcer and its predictors among adult diabetic
patients in Debre Berhan comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North shoa, Ethiopia, 1998-2013
E.C.
Methods; - an institutional-based retrospective cohort study was conducted. Systematic random
sampling technique was used to select a sample of 321 patients from a total of 1050 DM patients.
Data extraction check list was used to extract data.
Data was entered in Epi-Data then exported to SPSS software for analysis. The survival
experience of the patients was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survivor function. The independent
effect of predictors on the occurrences of diabetic foot ulcer was identified by Cox proportional
hazard model. Statistical significance from bi-variable analysis for the multivariable analysis was
declared with a p- value of <=0.25
Results The incidence of diabetic foot ulcer was 1.01 per 100 person years (95%: CI,
.73954_1.39679). Obesity (AHR=2.936; 95% CI: 1.107-7.788), diabetic neuropathy
(AHR=2.943: 95% CI: 1.468-5.901), rural residence (AHR=2.731: 95% CI: 1.268-5.883),
hypertension (AHR=5.609: 95% CI: 2.493-12.897), age >=70 years (AHR=15.025: 95% CI:
3.578-63.098) and high density lipoprotein (AHR=3.713: 95% CI: 1.809-7.620) increased the
hazard of diabetic foot ulcer.
Conclusion Residence, obesity, age, hypertension, neuropathy and high density lipoprotein were
found to be significantly associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Therefore, care and special attention
has to be given for patients with abnormal high density lipoprotein, obesity, co-morbidities and
for patients from rural areas.
