Diabetic foot ulcers and their impact on foot care habits and quality of life

Aims A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe and often recurrent complication of diabetes. Adherence to favorable foot care habits is essential to avoid recurrence. This study aimed to investigate differences in foot care habits among people with and without previous DFUs, and to assess the impact on quality of life (QoL). Methods Data were extracted from a large survey distributed to everyone with diabetes in the Northern Danish Region ( n = 29,155). The survey obtained data on demographics, and also included the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF), Short Form 36 (SF-36), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results 9913 replied and 6912 provided complete data. Individuals with previous DFUs had higher scores for overall foot care habits compared to those without (NAFF score: 50 vs. 47, p < 0.01), indicating better foot care habits. Individuals with previous DFUs had significantly higher scores in HADS-A (5 [2;8] vs. 3 [1;6], p < 0.01) and HADS-D (3 [1;7] vs. 2 [0;4], p < 0.01) and significantly lower scores in SF-36 (59.3 [40.1;77.4] vs. 78.2 [57.3;89.5], p < 0.01) compared to individuals without previous DFUs. Conclusions Previous DFUs were associated with improved foot care habits but significantly worse QoL and higher levels of anxiety and depression.