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 10.5years 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.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 25, 2013
Accepted:
March 4,
2013
Received:
January 17,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
