Evaluation of Quality of Life of Patients with Diabetic Foot Syndrome in Selected Health Care Facilities of Moravian Silesian Region

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the quality of life of patients with diabetic foot syndrome in selected health care facilities in the Moravian-Silesian Region using the standardized WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Methods: A Czech version of the standardized WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to determine the quality of life of patients with diabetic foot syndrome. The sample consisted of 84 patients. The results were compared with the population norm. Data were collected from November 2012 to February 2013 in selected health care facilities in the Moravian-Silesian Region: University Hospital Ostrava, Municipal Hospital Ostrava and Frydek-Mistek Hospital. Results: Patients with diabetic foot ulcers were found to have a poorer quality of life in the domain of physical health. In domain 1 (physical health) respondents rated as „worst‟ the following items: “dependence on medical care” (2.54), “pain and discomfort” (2.76); while in domain 2 (perception), “negative feelings” (2.94) merited a rating of “worst”. Being female, being over 75 years of age, and having a higher grade of ulcer (grades 3 and 4 according to Wagner ́s classification) correlated with lower scores in all quality of life domains. Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcer has a negative effect on health-related quality of life, particularly in the domain of physical health.