Introduction: Diabetes foot deformity is among the major causes of diabetic foot ulceration, resulting in lower limb amputation. However, the study on the distribution of foot deformity and its risk factor among diabetic patients in Ethiopia is limited. This study determined the overall prevalence and associated factors of foot deformity among adult diabetic patients on follow-up at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 diabetic patients using a systematic random sampling technique at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Data were collected by pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaires and diabetic foot assessment format. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength of the association, and a variable with a p-value < 0.05 was statistically significant factors of diabetes foot deformity.
Result: The overall prevalence of foot deformity was 33.4% [95% CI: 28.9-38.3]. In the final logistic regression analysis, rural residency [AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.31, 5.31], poor glycemic control [AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.33], diabetes duration ≥ 10 years [AOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.50, 5.02], inadequate footwear [AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.82] and presence of peripheral neuropathy [AOR = 8.21; 95% CI: 4.54, 14.84] were statistically significant associated factors with diabetes foot deformity.
Conclusion: The prevalence of foot deformity among adult diabetic patients was high. It is recommended to incorporate foot deformity screening in routine diabetic patient follow-ups especially for those with poor glycaemic control, rural residency, long diabetes duration, inadequate footwear, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Keywords: Associated factors; Diabetes Mellitus; Ethiopia; Foot deformity; Prevalence.
© 2023. The Author(s).