Prevalence and associated factors of tenia pedis among patients with diabetes in Jordan

Abstract

Background

Diabetes mellitus is an etiological factor of tinea pedis (TP) which can increase the risk of diabetes-related foot complications. There is scarce research investigating the epidemiology of TP among patients with diabetes and this study contributed to filling this gap.

Objective

To identify the prevalence and the associated factors of TP among patients with diabetes in Jordan.

Methods

A total of 375 patients with diabetes were recruited in a cross-sectional study at the National Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Amman, Jordan. TP was examined by a specimen culture and microscopic study. Several independent variables were collected, including sociodemographic, clinical, and foot self-care variables. Multivariant logistic regression was conducted to test independent factors associated with the prevalence of TP.

Results

Positive TP was present in 211 participants with a prevalence of 56.3%. Multiple logistic regression resulted in four significant associated factors; being highly educated (β = 1.69, p = 0.03), presence of onychomycosis (β = 4.48, p < 0.01), wearing socks as a daily habit (β = 2.30, p < 0.01), and frequency of feet washing (1–2 times\day) (β = 2.54, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes in Jordan have a high prevalence of TP. Factors including educational level, onychomycosis infection, and self-care activities (i.e., socks wearing habits and foot hygiene) were found to be associated with the prevalence of TP.