The health-related quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the Kingdom of Bahrain

J Tissue Viability. 2023 Nov;32(4):465-471. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2023.06.007. Epub 2023 Jun 24.

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this study were to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adult Bahraini patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and to explore factors associated with poor HRQoL.

Methods: Cross-sectional HRQoL data were obtained from a sample of patients in active treatment for DFU at a large public hospital in Bahrain. Patient-reported HRQOL was measured using the following instruments: DFS-SF, CWIS and EQ-5D.

Results: The patient sample included 94 patients, with a mean age of 61.8 (SD: 9.9) years, 54 (57.5%) were males, and 68 (72.3%) were native Bahrainis. Poorer HRQoL was found among patients who were unemployed, divorced/widowed, and those with a shorter duration of formal education. Additionally, patients with severe DFUs, persisting ulcers, and a longer duration of diabetes reported statistically significantly poorer HRQoL.

Conclusions: Findings from this study demonstrate a low level of HRQoL among Bahraini patients with DFUs. A longer duration of diabetes, in addition to ulcer severity and status statistically significantly influence HRQoL.

Keywords: Bahrain; Diabetic foot ulcer; Health-related quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bahrain
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Foot* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life