Screening for identification of patients at high risk for diabetes-related foot ulcers: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes affected 463 million people globally in 2019, and this number is anticipated to reach 700 million by 2045. Diabetes results in lower limb amputation every 30 seconds. Egypt has a high prevalence of diabetic foot disease among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to identify high-risk patients for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in Egypt. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional study among adult patients with diabetes at Asyut University Hospital. Inlow's 60-second diabetic foot screening tool was used to assess the risk of DFU. Neuropathy was assessed using the 10g monofilament test, and laboratory testing was performed to assess glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes control levels. RESULTS: Participants were aged 46.11 ± 9.18 years; 56% had T2DM and HbA1c levels >7%. In total, 47.9% of participants were at risk for DFUs. This risk was higher in patients who were older, male, widowed, working, illiterate, living in rural areas, and patients with diabetes duration >10 years, body mass index >32 kg/m2, uncontrolled blood glucose levels, on an insulin regimen, and smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing health care providers' awareness and ability to identify high-risk patients is critical to prevent DFUs and reduce the risk of amputation.

Corrigendum to "Predicting cognitive impairment among geriatric patients at Asir central hospital, Saudi Arabia". [Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 28 (2021) 5781-5785].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.023.].

Predicting cognitive impairment among geriatric patients at Asir central hospital, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is an aging-related disease that can result in a variety of health problems as disability and death. Cognitive impairment was reported to be more than 40% among elderly individuals. AIM: To predict cognitive impairment among geriatric patients at Asir central hospital, Saudi Arabia and its relationship to health status. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive correlational study design was used to conduct this study. The study included a convenient sample of all geriatric patients (130) attending outpatient clinics of Asir central hospital in Abha city from the first of February to the mid of March 2020. Three tools were utilized to collect data pertinent to this study; Tool (I): structured geriatric patient's sociodemographic and clinical data interview questionnaire, Tool II: Geriatric Depression Scale Short-Form (GDS-SF) and Tool III: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) Scale. RESULTS: The majority of the studied sample was in the age group between 60 and 69 years, and female, having a chronic disease, (31.6%) were having a mild cognitive impairment and (17%) were having severe cognitive impairment and there was an association between cognitive impairment levels and health status of the studied patients with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Nearly one third were having a mild cognitive impairment and about one fifth were having severe cognitive impairment. There was a correlation between levels of cognitive impairment and health status of the studied patients. RECOMMENDATIONS: Health education programs to increase the awareness of the Saudi community about cognitive impairment and its risk factors are needed. Elderly cognitive screening services must be readily available for early diagnosis and early treatment of cognitive impairment.

Patterns of medication use and adherence to medications among residents in the elderly homes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate health care related to medication regimens among institutionalized elders in Damanhour, Beheira Governate, Egypt. METHODS: A prospective, multi-centered, observational study was conducted in the two elderly residential homes in Damanhour between March and May 2017. A questionnaire was developed and validated to test for elderly socio-economic, chronic diseases, current therapy adherence, vaccination history and patient education. Descriptive and quantitative analysis were performed. RESULTS: sixty-three elderly residents were included in the study. The sample showed broad socioeconomic variability posing a true reflection of Egyptian population. 63.5% had no hearing problems, 31.7% had proper vision and 57% could move with no help. More than three quarters had chronic diseases of which 58.7% were previously hospitalized. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension, diabetes and arthritis 46%, 41.3%, 26.9% respectively. Only 7.9% and 4.7% showed chronic liver and kidney diseases, respectively and less than 10% suffered from respiratory related diseases. No alcohol drinker, 25.3% were smokers and 58.7% drank caffeine. Only 25.3% of residents showed full adherence to their medication pattern. Approximately 80% of residents never received proper patient education. Forty-three residents did not know the indication of their medications and 92% ignored its side effects. CONCLUSION: Absence of proper medical care exposure for the elderly residents was reflected in their low medication adherence, adverse side effects and hospitalization. We suggest extension of the national medical insurance system to include larger number of elderly population. To monitor the care given concerning medication, a daily resident gerontological nurse needs to be assigned, visits by clinical pharmacists weekly or bi-weekly from the nearby governmental hospital can improve improper medication.