A Cross-Sectional Analytical Pilot Study of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Risk Factors among Adult Patients with Diabetes in Sulaimani Teaching Hospitals

Diabetic foot care is essential because, while it is an avoidable problem, it is harmful since even minor injuries can have major repercussions. Nerve damage brought on by diabetes may impair foot feeling. Diabetes may also lessen blood supply to the feet, which can hinder their ability to fight off infections or repair wounds. Patients may become less aware of the initial foot deformities as a result of these issues. Preventing these issues is mostly dependent on diabetic individuals' knowledge of proper foot care. This cross-sectional analytical pilot study aimed to identify risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulcers among adult patients with diabetes attending Sulaimani Teaching Hospitals. Conducted from October 15th to April 15th, 2024, the study employed a quantitative approach using a non-probability convenience sample of 38 patients. Data collection focused on patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetic foot care, to examine their potential influence on the development of foot ulcers. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data. It has consisted of four major parts, which include 24 items. Data were analyzed through the application of measurement of central tendency (Frequencies, percentages, mean of scores, and standard deviation). The results indicate that illiteracy was high among educational levels (39.5%). The majority of patients (65.8%) reported a family history of diabetes mellitus. Additionally, more than half of the patients have had previous admission to the hospital for foot problems (55.3%). The use of medications to control blood sugar was the highest among patients (97.4%), the highest number of patients who have used diabetic medication regularly (76.3%), and a majority of patients (63.2%) did not undergo surgical treatment. The study findings identified risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers early on, and starting the right therapy, complications, such as the need for amputation, are less likely to occur. Education and awareness-building about diabetes and its consequences have become more important.