Si Thu Win Tin1, Eva Gadabu, George Iro, John Tasserei, Ruth Colagiuri. 1. Health and Sustainability Unit, The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, G82 Medical Foundation Building K25, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. si.wintin@sydney.edu.au
Abstract
AIM: To identify precipitating events and factors preceding diabetes related amputations in Pacific Islands countries (PICs). METHODS: Using a root cause analysis approach, a questionnaire seeking information on events leading up to amputation was administered to a convenience sample of 85 people with diabetes in three PICs (Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu) who had a lower limb amputation in the previous five years. RESULTS: There were 85 participants (36% females) with a mean age of 54.1 years and a mean diabetes duration of 10.5 years prior to amputation. The first event was trauma and an infected wound in 55% and a blister in another 41%. Half (51%) did take any action soon after the initial trigger event. The major reasons leading to the amputation included delaying treatment (42%), use of traditional treatments (18%) and insufficient knowledge about foot care (11%). 36% of participants had not received foot care information prior to the amputation and 19% did not attend anywhere for regular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified key precipitating events and underlying factors which contribute to diabetes related amputations and which, if addressed successfully, have the potential to reduce amputations rates.
AIM: To identify precipitating events and factors preceding diabetes related amputations in Pacific Islands countries (PICs). METHODS: Using a root cause analysis approach, a questionnaire seeking information on events leading up to amputation was administered to a convenience sample of 85 people with diabetes in three PICs (Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu) who had a lower limb amputation in the previous five years. RESULTS: There were 85 participants (36% females) with a mean age of 54.1 years and a mean diabetes duration of 10.5 years prior to amputation. The first event was trauma and an infected wound in 55% and a blister in another 41%. Half (51%) did take any action soon after the initial trigger event. The major reasons leading to the amputation included delaying treatment (42%), use of traditional treatments (18%) and insufficient knowledge about foot care (11%). 36% of participants had not received foot care information prior to the amputation and 19% did not attend anywhere for regular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified key precipitating events and underlying factors which contribute to diabetes related amputations and which, if addressed successfully, have the potential to reduce amputations rates.