DIABETIC FOOT RISK CATEGORY ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL WORKING GROUP ON THE DIABETIC FOOT AMONG ADULT DIABETICS ATTENDING A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Introduction: Diabetic foot disease (DFD) constitutes a high public health burden and is a reason for hospital admission, amputation and death in persons living with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, a verified and suitable DFD classification that matches disease progression is crucial for accurate clinical diagnosis and management. This study’s objectives were to determine the prevalence of DFD and the distribution of diabetic foot risk categories according to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) risk stratification system. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study employed a simple random sampling technique to recruit 365 respondents aged 18 years or older living with diabetes mellitus. A standardised questionnaire (including the National Association of Diabetes Centres Australasian Podiatry Council foot assessment checklist and the IWGDF diabetic foot risk profile grading chart) was utilised. Data analysis was done using the IBM SPSS version 23.0.0. Results: The mean age of respondents was 58.35 years with S.D of 10.62 with a male to female ratio of approximately 1:1.5. Of the 365 respondents, 292 (80%) had foot disease, Using the IWGF classification, 26%, 46%, and 8% of the respondents were in category 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic foot disease among our patients was high, with more individuals classified as IWGDF diabetic foot disease category 2. This means more respondents with foot disease were at risk of getting ulcers and infections that may lead to amputation.