Amputations for diabetic foot and social factors: implications for nursing preventive care

Abstract

Many studies have highlighted risk factors associated with the occurrence of amputation for diabetic foot; however, the analysis of social factors has not been studied much. This study assessed the incidence of amputations in patients with diabetic foot according to social factors and their implications for nursing preventive care. This is a Retrospective epidemiological study, of the case-control type. The sample consisted of 64 inpatients with diabetic foot problems in the vascular clinic of a public hospital in Recife, PE, BR. For each patient undergoing amputation there was a control. The results showed an association between amputation and years of study; less than 5 years, family income; below the poverty level and number of 3 to more people living at home. Knowledge of these associations requires public managers and primary care professionals to plan different strategies to address and monitor the population at risk.