A study of the prevalence and risk factors of foot problems in a population of diabetic patients in Cameroon

Foot problems are common in diabetic patients and are one of the most expensive chronic complications to treat. The authors sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors of the diabetic foot in a clinic population. In this cross-sectional study of 300 diabetic patients, the authors reviewed records, carried out an interview, and performed a meticulous foot examination with assessment of neuropathy (monofilaments and tuning fork) and ischemia (pulses). Foot lesions were classified according to Wagner grades. The prevalence of foot lesions was 13.0% (inpatients 25.6% and outpatients 11.1%). Diabetic neuropathy assessed using monofilaments was found in 81 patients (27.3%) (monofilaments). The prevalence of ischemia was 21.3% and deformity was 17.3%, whereas 37 patients (12.3%) had a previous history of foot lesions. Foot examination was done in 14.3% of patients, and 47% had a risky nail-trimming habit, whereas 22% wore ill-fitting shoes. The prevalence of diabetic foot lesions is high, and known risk factors are significantly present, especially poor foot care. © 2006 Sage Publications.