Evaluation of foot self-care status and foot screening problems in patients with diabetes in Iran: a national multicenter study

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) stands as one of the most prevalent complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) [1]. Globally, DFU prevalence reaches 6.3% [2], while in Iran, it ranges from 3 to 10.6% [3, 4]. Notably, estimations indicate that approximately 25% of individuals with DM will face the risk of developing DFUs during their lifetime [5].

DFUs, primarily associated with neuropathy and ischemia, constitute the leading cause of lower extremity amputation [6]. Moreover, DFUs and amputation are significant contributors to diabetes-related hospital admissions [7]. Given the prevalence of comorbidities and socioeconomic factors among these patients, the outcomes of lower extremity amputations carry significant implications [8]. Early postoperative mortality rates in this context range from 4 to 22%, highlighting the critical need for identifying risk factors and giving utmost attention to this matter [9].

Despite the considerable burden imposed by DFUs on patients, their families, and society, it is worth noting that most foot ulcers and resulting amputations are preventable. High-risk individuals can be identified through a history of previous ulceration or amputation and a comprehensive clinical examination that encompasses factors such as impaired monofilament sensation and vibration perception, absent Achilles tendon reflex, callus, foot deformities, inappropriate footwear, and absent pedal pulse. Among the numerous interventions aimed at preventing foot ulceration and its consequences, early recognition of high-risk patients and prompt referral to appropriate multidisciplinary teams stand as crucial steps [10, 11]. In this regard, prevention can be viewed from two primary dimensions.

The first dimension revolves around the foot screening of patients with diabetes. Regularly scheduled screening foot exams using validated and reliable tools can effectively identify individuals at risk of developing DFUs [12, 13]. Several diabetes associations and clinical practice guidelines in the field of DFU prevention and management recommend routine foot examinations for patients with diabetes at regular interval [14, 15]. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) specifically advocates for an annual foot examination for all patients with diabetes, with more frequent screenings for those at a higher risk. Early identification of high-risk feet remains a top priority and an essential step in DFU prevention, given the clinical and economic burden associated with diabetic foot complications [16].

The second preventing dimension emphasizes the critical importance of foot self-care as a well-known strategy for preventing DFUs and their complications [17, 18]. Adequate knowledge and implementation of effective foot self-care practices by patients play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of DFUs [11, 19]. However, further studies are required to assess the foot care knowledge and practice of patients with diabetes [19, 20].

In line with the revised recommendation, annual education on foot care and regular inspections are advised for all patients with diabetes, with increased frequency every three months for those with a history of ulceration, foot deformities, or neuropathy. Referral is recommended when foot ulceration fails to heal within two weeks or when the ulcer is deep [11, 14].

Given that a lack of timely screening and appropriate foot care for patients with diabetes can lead to ulceration and subsequent amputation, this study aims to explore the foot self-care status and the challenges surrounding foot screening for DFU risk among patients with DM in Iran. The diverse cultural and ethnic differences across different regions of Iran have prompted the selection of various provinces from the south, north, east, west, and central regions of the country to conduct this study.

A national multicenter study was conducted in Iran, involving a total of 1094 patients with diabetes. The study included participants from 10 provincial capital cities, namely Rasht, Ahvaz, Tehran (2 centers), Mashhad, Urmia, Khomein, Isfahan, Bushehr, Yazd, and Kerman. The aim of the study was to assess the health and foot care status of patients with diabetes in Iran. The majority of participants were female (64.8%), married (92.5%), and unemployed (71.1%). Additionally, 96.75 of participants had health insurance, and 88.4% had a high school diploma or lower educational level. The participants’ average age and age range were 57.6 ± 10.21 (mean ± SD) years and 25–88 years. The mean duration of DM was 11.56 ± 7.41 years. Most patients had a family history of DM (73.9%), and about half (54.1%) used only oral hypoglycemic agents. The mean total DFSQ score was 37.92 ± 10.51. The mean of personal self-care, podiatric care, and footwear was also 17.14 ± 5.00, 8.51 ± 3.00, and 12.27 ± 4.45, respectively. As Inlow score of participants according to the ‘Inlow’s 60-Second Screen’ and recommended screening interval suggested in Table 1.

Most patients need to have foot screening for DFU risk stratification annually. For interpreting the results of Inlow’s 60-second, scores of five identified parameters are shown in Table 2. Despite low scores of different parameters, bony changes, and sensation parameters, with higher scores than other parameters, should be considered.

The frequency of look, touch, and assessment indicators related to skin and nail changes in patients showed that more than half had healthy and integrated skin and healthy nails on both feet. However, about one-third of patients had dry skin, mild fungus and calluses, and rough nails (Table 3).

The same analysis showed a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.005) in sensation and bony changes parameters scores of Inlow’s 60-second screen according to age, educational status, duration of diabetes, history of DFU, retinopathy, and nephropathy (Table 4).

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we evaluated the health and foot care status of 1094 patients with diabetes from 10 provincial capital cities in Iran, which serve as nodes of a diabetic foot network. We utilized the DFSQ and ‘Inlow’s 60-Second Screen’ tools to assess the participants. The current study’s findings showed that personal self-care among Iranian patients with diabetes is better than other dimensions of foot care. Additionally, about half of the diabetic patients who participated in this study across Iran affected by peripheral neuropathy, and more than half of patients should undergo annual foot ulcer screening.

Regarding foot care, the mean total DFSQ score was found to be 37.92 ± 10.51. The mean scores for personal self-care, podiatric care, and footwear were 17.14 ± 5.00, 8.51 ± 3.00, and 12.27 ± 4.45, respectively. Personal self-care emerged as the best dimension. In line with these results, another study conducted in Tehran, the capital of Iran, particularly focusing on women with type 2 diabetes, identified foot self-care as the most important dimension of DFSQ. The scores for personal care, podiatric care, and footwear in that study were reported as 16.98 ± 7, 5.95 ± 2.11, and 12.26 ± 3.95, respectively. Although the Tehran study only evaluated the population of one province in Iran, its findings regarding foot care dimensions align closely with our current research [21]. However, the average total DFSQ score of 60.38 ± 9.9 among diabetic women in Tehran was higher than the current study. The economic characteristics of the study population would be an essential factor to consider, as another study conducted in Iran found that self-care behaviors in low-income patients with diabetes were not appropriate [26].

The current study’s findings showed that the mean total DFSQ score was 37.92 ± 10.51. The mean score of personal self-care, podiatric care, and footwear was also 17.14 ± 5.00, 8.51 ± 3.00, and 12.27 ± 4.45. Personal self-care is considered the best dimension. In line with these results, another study in Tehran, the capital of Iran, especially in women with type 2 diabetes, suggested foot self-care as the best dimension of DFSQ. Additionally, the personal care, podiatric care, and footwear scores reported 16.98 ± 7, 5.95 ± 2.11, and 12.26 ± 3.95, respectively. Although the study evaluated the population of Tehran as just a province of Iran’s population, their results of foot care dimensions are mainly consistent with the findings of current research [21]. However, the average total DFSQ score of 60.38 ± 9.9 among diabetic women in Tehran was higher than the present study. The economic characteristics of the study population would be an essential factor to consider, as another study conducted in Iran found that self-care behaviors in low-income patients with diabetes were inadequate [26].

The results of Inlow’s 60-Second Screen showed that about 59% of the patients have an annual visit for examination due to a low risk of DFU (with a score of 0 to 6). This indicates that more than 40% of patients with diabetes need foot examination at intervals of less than one year, and less than 0.5% should refer for examination between 1 and 3 months. Another study conducted in the south of Iran, following the guidelines of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), recommended different follow-up intervals based on risk levels: group 0 annually, group 1 every 3 to 6 months, group 2 every 2 to 3 months, and group 3 every 1 to 2 months [27]. Similarly Moradi et al. review study on type 2 diabetic patients in Iran, suggested annual check-ups in general and less than 3-month check-ups for patients at higher risk of foot ulcers [4]. Furthermore, O’Brien et al. study focusing on educational interventions for diabetic patients found that regular examinations every six months for diabetic patients and every three months for high-risk individuals can significantly improve the prevalence of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes [28].

Based on the results of the evaluation of the indicators defined in Inlow’s 60-Second Screen of this study, it was determined that the patients in 3 parameters of this indication, including bone changes, sensory status, and self-care, had mean scores of 2.28, 1.78 and 1.28, respectively. This showed that patients with bony changes and loss of protective sensation due to insufficient self-care could be prone to neuropathic foot ulcers. A similar study conducted in Ahvaz indicated the presence of deformity in one-fifth of the participating patient’s [27]. In line with the results obtained, the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in the Iranian population indicated that the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy varies from 16 to 87%, and the total prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is estimated to be 53% using random effect.

This study showed that the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among individuals with diabetes in Iran seems to be very high. More than half of the patients with diabetes have diabetic neuropathy [29]. In a study conducted by Campbell et al., a prevalence of approximately 27% of sensory disorders was reported, with a focus on neuropathy in the UK population. Therefore, it is recommended that in addition to continuous patient education, foot examination in short intervals be conducted to prevent neuropathic wounds [5]. In a study conducted on adult diabetic patients in the diabetes clinic at Gondar University Hospital in northwestern Ethiopia, researchers found that diabetic patients with neuropathy were 21.7 times more likely to develop diabetic foot ulcers than patients with diabetes without neuropathy. This increased risk can be attributed to microvascular complications and neuropathy in diabetic patients with elevated blood glucose levels. Neuropathy can contribute to foot ulcers due to heightened pressure load. Additionally, patients with diabetes who neglected foot care were found to be 2.5 times more susceptible to DFU than their counterparts. Implementing proper self-care practices, such as regular foot washing, thorough drying, daily assessment of foot condition, promoting blood circulation, and proactive management of any abnormalities, can effectively prevent the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers [30].

Additionally, screening using Inlow’s 60-Second Screen in four areas of the skin and nails, the frequency of changes, LOPS peripheral neuropathy, PAD peripheral vascular disease, and foot deformity, and the condition of the foot covering showed that more than 30% of patients suffer from dry skin with mild fungus, calluses as well as rough and uneven nails. These patients have mild bone deformities (about 23%) and have inappropriate foot covering (about 36%). Based on the monofilament test, it was determined that about half of the patients (about 47%) are at risk of neuropathy, and the scores related to the four sensory questions of Inlow’s 60-Second Screen also confirm this finding. This group of patients is susceptible to neuropathy DFU, which could prevent with appropriate preventive interventions. Accordingly, the physical examination of the skin in patients with diabetes in one southern city in Iran showed that dry skin is the most common skin disorder, with a frequency of 19% among diabetics [27]. Pavicic et al., in their study on diabetic patients, found that skin lesions with fungus and calluses in patients with neuropathy often lead to infections. Factors include improper footwear, improper foot care, or neglect of foreign objects, often accompanied by structural deformation of the foot caused by DFUs. Therefore, rapid neurological and vascular diagnostic studies, regular foot examinations, and primary preventive measures play an essential role in preventing and detecting foot ulcers. Acquiring the treatment goals as optimal control of diabetes, relief of pressure points, and prevention or reduction of callus formation would be considered [31].

The findings of this study indicate that individuals with cardiovascular diseases should pay more attention to their footwear choices and foot care practices. In a study examining a team approach to managing diabetic foot, Sumpio et al. discovered that peripheral neuropathy, a significant complication of diabetes, can disrupt tissue arterial blood flow and lead to the development of wounds. Untreated inadequate limb perfusion may result in incurable wounds and necessitate amputation. Therefore, diabetic patients with the risk of CVD should pay more attention to the proper care of their feet and reduce the incidence of complications as much as possible by observing hygiene and regular examinations [32]. In line with the current research, Hingorani et al. also reported in their study that diabetes is a risk factor for patients with cardiovascular disorders, and the combination of these two diseases increases the probability of developing wound and subsequent amputation by about 50%. These researchers found that diabetic patients with vascular disorders need more attention to the health of their feet than others because they believe that having sufficient knowledge about proper care, washing, and regular examination of the feet, along with the control of cardiovascular disease significantly mitigate the hazardous consequences of the disease [33].

On the other hand, the educational level of the people studied in this research, except for the self-care item, had an inverse and significant correlation with Inlow’s 60-Second Screen parameters, which indicates that with the increase in the education level of the person, bone deformation, sensory disorders, and skin and nail problems decrease significantly and self-care increases. Along with the findings of this research, other studies also emphasize the importance of the level of education and the level of knowledge of diabetic patients in preventing the occurrence of complications in patients with diabetes. Although studies have been done before regarding foot care in Iranian patients with diabetes, indicating poor awareness and subsequent inappropriate performance of diabetic Iranians [21, 34], it is clear that educational progress has a significant correlation with health behaviors and significantly improves self-care in people with diabetes [35].

The present research findings reveal a significant association between the duration of diabetes and the incidence of sensory disorders and foot deformities. This study highlights that individuals with a history of diabetes for more than 15 years are more prone to bone deformities and sensory disorders than others. In this regard, in the study of Booya et al., a significant relationship was reported between the duration of the disease and the incidence of risk factors in the diabetes [34]. Allan et al., in their review study, stated that the incidence of bone deformity has a significant relationship with increasing age, especially in people with a prolonged history of diabetes [36].

An investigation into the relationship between indicators such as a history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic ulcers, retinopathy, and nephropathy with the parameters examined in this study using Inlow’s 60-Second Screen revealed significant associations with sensory disorders, skin issues, and nail problems. The current research findings demonstrate that individuals with a history of diabetic ulcers and neuropathy exhibit increased measurements of all parameters assessed by Inlow’s 60-Second Screen, indicating a higher risk for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Consequently, individuals who have previously experienced diabetic ulcers and those with a history of diabetes-related retinopathy should undergo more frequent examinations due to their susceptibility to diabetes complications such as DFUs. The results of other studies conducted in this field also confirm the findings of the present study [37, 38]. Thus, it can be concluded that the presence of any diabetes complications, including cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, and nephropathy, in diabetic patients increases the likelihood of developing foot ulcers [39, 40].

The results of the present study indicate that due to complications such as dry skin with fungus and calluses, mild bone deformities, and improper footwear, about half of the patients are at risk of neuropathy foot ulcer. Notably, the podiatric care status was the lowest care dimension among patients with diabetes. The presence of peripheral neuropathy and a lack of podiatric care would be considered the leading risk factor for developing DFU in patients with diabetes in an Iranian population study. Accordingly, providing continuous patient education on personal self-care, proper footwear, and foot examination at regular intervals based on recommended screening interval of Inlow score should be considered for DFU prevention and early diagnosis of ulcers and timely therapeutic interventions.