PEDRAS, Susana; CARVALHO, Rui    PEREIRA, M. Graça. Quality of life: non-amputee patients with diabetic foot ulcer versus amputee patients. []. , 17, 1, pp.89-96. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/16psd170113.

A Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) has several implications for individual, family and the health system. The aim of this study was to characterize the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), in a sample of patients with DFU and to find differences in physical (PHRQoL) and mental quality of life (MHRQoL) when compared with patients already amputated. Cross sectional study including 175 patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer. Of these, 102 were already amputated and 73 were going to be amputated for the first time. Patients were assessed during hospitalization using a socio demographic and clinical questionnaire as well as the SF-36. Patients showed low levels of PHRQoL and moderate levels of MHRQoL. There were differences in HRQoL in non-amputee patients with DFU versus patients with DFU already amputated, according to gender, professional status, age and type of foot. There were no differences in non-amputee and amputees patients on PHRQoL and MHRQoL but non- amputee patients with DFU showed better general health compared with patients already amputated. The level of amputation proved to be important for mental health. This study emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary interventions to promote HRQoL in non-amputee patients with DFU and those already amputated. Thus, psychological support seems essential, in this population.

: Diabetic Foot Ulcer; Amputation; Quality of Life.

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