Quality of life aspects associated with diabetic foot ulcers: A review

The Diabetic Foot Journal Vol 11 No 2 2008 Approximately 15% of all individuals with diabetes will experience a foot ulcer at some point in their lifetime (Mayfield et al, 1998). It has been noted that 5.3% of people in a UK population have suffered from a current or previous foot ulcer (Kumar et al, 1994). A foot ulcer can affect QoL by impinging upon the following four aspects: social, psychological, physical and economical. Many authors have reported that study participants experience impaired QoL with a diabetic foot ulcer; in particular reduced mobility has been noted as a major factor, as well as adapting to a lifestyle change (Brod, 1998; Ashford et al, 2000; Ribu and Wahl, 2004). The social aspect Numerous studies have indicated that people’s daily, social and family life, as well as partaking in leisure activities, was affected when they presented with a diabetic foot ulcer (Brod, 1998; Ashford et al, 2000; McPherson and Binning, 2002; Ribu and Wahl, 2004). In a pilot study by Brod (1998), all individuals (n = 14) with diabetes and their caregivers (n = 11) reported an impaired QoL. This was due to reduced mobility experienced while adapting to a change of lifestyle that led to added pressure and burden on the individual’s immediate family members and their caregivers, causing conflict and tension. A study conducted by Ashford et al (2000) Quality of life aspects associated with diabetic foot ulcers: A review