Factors associated with the risk of diabetic foot in patients with diabetes mellitus in Primary Care*

Abstract

Objective: To analyze factors associated with diabetic foot risk in patients with diabetes mellitus assisted in Primary Care. Method: Observational, analytic, and transversal study took place in Teresina, Piauí, with diabetic patients who are assisted in Primary Care. Data collection took place through interviews, foot clinical exams, and medical record analysis. We used the Mann-Whitney, Pearson’s Chi-square and multiple logistic regression statistics tests to analyze the data. The association power among categorical variables was measured by Odds Ratio . Results: 322 patients participated. Marital status with a partner presented a protection factor (p = 0.007). Risk factors for the development of the diabetic foot are: arterial hypertension (p = 0.045), obesity (p = 0.011), smoking (p = 0.027), not being submitted to follow ups (p = 0.046), inadequate control of capillary blood glucose (p < 0.001), indisposition to the care of the foot (p=0.014), and foot self-exam less frequently (p = 0.040). Conclusion: Sociodemographic, clinical, and self-care aspects interfere in diabetic foot development, highlighting the necessity of effective follow up tracking and educational interventions for patients with diabetes mellitus in Primary Care.