Peripheral vascular disease and its associated factors among diabetic patients on follow-up at Ras Desta Damtew Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of peripheral vascular disorders and associated factors among diabetic patients on follow-up at Ras Desta Damtew Memorial Hospital, Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 randomly selected Diabetes Mellitus patients attending follow-up at Ras Desta Damtew Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July to August 2024. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, ankle-brachial index, and Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire, IPAQ-SF. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between dependent and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were reported, and statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. The study found that 12 % (95 % CI: 8.15 %–15.85 %) of diabetic patients developed peripheral vascular disorders. Significant associations were found with smoking (AOR: 5.59; 3.42–8.63), alcohol use (AOR: 4.09; 2.56–7.74), hypertension (AOR: 3.55; 1.69–6.25), and physical inactivity (AOR: 3.80; 1.56–9.47). Over one in ten diabetic patients developed peripheral vascular disease. Key associated factors include smoking, alcohol use, hypertension, and physical inactivity. Interventions targeting these risk factors are necessary to reduce related complications in diabetic patients. • Study assessed PVD prevalence and risk factors in diabetic patients at Ras Desta Damtew Hospital, Ethiopia. • PVD magnitude was 12% (95% CI: 8.15–15.85%), lower than in prior similar studies. • Smoking, alcohol, hypertension, and inactivity predicted PVD in multivariable analysis. • Targeted lifestyle changes and screening can reduce PVD risk and complications in diabetics. • Findings address an evidence gap and guide diabetes care in resource-limited Ethiopian settings.