Socio-Demographic Risk Factors Associated with Diabetic Foot Ulcer in India: A Case Control Study

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus, having a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and indeed putting an enormous burden on health care systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. Understanding socio-demographic risk factors is, therefore, essential in designing successful prevention strategies adapted to the Indian population.

The duration was one year, and the study was conducted in India on 150 cases. Cases consisted of patients with diabetic foot ulcers, while controls were diabetic patients without foot ulcers, consisting of 75 cases and 75 controls, respectively. Information on socio-demographic variables, history, and lifestyle factors was collected through structured interviews and medical records. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors independently associated with DFU.

Low socioeconomic status was significantly associated with an increased risk of DFU (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.1-5.7), as were poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8%) (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.9-4.8), living in a rural area (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.8-4.1), and lack of formal education (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.5-3.5). Risk factors were smoking, diabetes of more than 10 years' duration, and history of bad foot care practice.

Socioeconomic disparities and lack of awareness about diabetic foot care contribute significantly to the DFU burden in India. Targeted interventions, education, better glycemic control, and accessible health services are ultimately needed to manage this potentially preventable complication.