FATORES DE RISCO PARA ULCERAÇÃO E AMPUTAÇÃO DE EXTREMIDADES INFERIORES EM PORTADORES DE DIABETES MELLITUS

Objective: To analyze the risk factors for lower-extremity ulceration and amputation in patients with diabetes mellitus. Method: Quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in 2013 with 92 individuals with diabetes attending a Family Health Care Center in Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil, through interviews and clinical examination of the feet. The following variables were assessed: sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age group, skin color, marital status, education and income) and additional risk factors for diabetic foot (clinical data, lifestyle and foot self-care practices). Chi-squared test with Yates’ correction, G Test and Fisher’s Exact test were used to check for association between variables considering a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: The sample included 92 patients with diabetes mellitus: 71.7% (66) were women and the predominant age group was 60-79 years – 48.0% (44). There was a prevalence of 95.6% (88) of individuals at risk for ulceration and 4.4% (4) were at risk for amputation. Regarding the risk of ulceration, 64.1% (59) were classified as risk 0 (lowest risk). Conclusion: There was a higher prevalence of patients at lower risk for ulceration and amputation. The inappropriate use of shoes stands out as the most common risk factor and tobacco use appears as a risk factor with significant statistical association.