Foot ulcer risk screening in prevention campaign participants and detection of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics related to foot ulcer risk screening in participants of diabetes mellitus detection campaigns. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted during diabetes mellitus detection campaigns carried out by the Brazilian National Association for Diabetic Care (ANAD - Associação Nacional de Atenção ao Diabetes), between 2013 and 2017, in the city of São Paulo, to detect foot ulceration risk according to demographic and clinical variables. The study population consisted of people with or without a previous diagnosis of diabetes. The collection instruments used were the interview and the specific physical examination of participants’ feet. Measurements relating to qualitative variables and chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied. Results: We assessed 2,110 people, most of them female, mean age of 64 years, complete elementary school, predominance of type 2 diabetes mellitus. An association was identified between the degrees of foot ulcer risk and disease duration (p=0.021), lack of foot hygiene (p=0.029), dry skin, change in plantar protective sensation, absent peripheral pulses, presence of onychomycosis, deformities, ulcer and amputation (p<0.001), and 65.5% of participants reported not having received previous guidance for foot care. Conclusion: The signs of foot ulceration risk during diabetes detection campaigns were identified and contributed to screening complications, being strategies for prevention actions carried out by academic extension students.