Anxiety and depression among adult patients with diabetic foot ulcer attending a multidisciplinary foot clinic

ABSTRACT

Aim: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are linked to morbidity, decreased mobility, and feelings of isolation, powerlessness and sadness. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in adult patients with DFU. Method(s) Patients with DFU attending our multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic from February 14th to March 14th, 2022 were invited to complete a questionnaire which included sociodemographic questions, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to assess depression and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) to assess anxiety. For each scale, a cut-off total score of 10 was used to identify those who met the criteria for anxiety and depression. Result(s) 60 patients completed the questionnaire. 83.25% of the participants reported that their diabetes foot care had not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 25% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, 10% reported mild anxiety symptoms while 65% reported no or minimal anxiety symptoms. Regarding depression, 30% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, 10% reported mild depressive symptoms, while 60% reported no or minimal depression (Figure 1). Patients with other co-morbidities were three times more likely to report depression compared to those without other co-morbidities (OR=3.2;95% CI 1.10-10.26). Patients younger than 50 years were nearly nine times more likely to report anxiety compared to those aged 60 years or above (adjusted OR=8.9;95% CI 1.01-86.41) taking into account other variables. Conclusion(s) The prevalence of depression and anxiety in this cohort of patients with DFU was low, but the severity was moderate to severe in those who were affected. Patients with other co-morbidities and those younger than 50 years have worse mental health status. This finding needs to be taken into account in the management of patients with DFU. Attempts to reduce anxiety and/or depression could improve the quality of life of DFU patients.