Kulliyyah (Faculty) of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia
Abstract
Introduction: Foot ulcer is one of the most serious complications associated with diabetes mellitus
that mat resulted in a disability and impairment of health related quality of life. Materials and
Methods: The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the factors adversely
associated with quality of life among diabetic foot ulcer patients. Diabetic patients with evidence
of diabetic foot ulcer attending outpatient orthopaedics and general surgical clinic of Hospital
Tengku Ampuan Afzan were recruited into this study. A set of validated SF-36 questionnaire was
employed to evaluate the health-related quality of life for each patient. This study was registered
with the National Medical Research Register (NMRR registration no. 17-1520-36332). Results: There
is a slightly higher proportion of female among the 104 respondents. Its prevalence is most
pronounces in the lower income group. Majority presented with Wagner stage 2 and 3. Amputation
has been performed in 54% of these patients. Physical health score fair worse than mental health.
Age, low socioeconomic status, presence of comorbidities, major amputation, ulcer at the forefoot
and wheelchair usage associated with an adverse effect on the physical health aspect in these
patients. Interestingly, smoker seems to score better on the mental health aspect of the quality of
life. Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcer affected physical health aspect much more than mental health
aspect within the context of the quality of life