Prevalence, Screening Practices and Risk Stratification for Diabetic Foot Complications in Primary Healthcare Settings in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Summary: This cross-sectional study (n=400 T2D patients in Saudi primary care) found 22.5% DFU prevalence, with only 18% receiving annual screening. High-risk factors included poor glycemic control (OR 3.2), neuropathy (OR 4.1), and peripheral artery disease (OR 5.6). Low awareness (45%) and screening barriers (time/staff) contributed; calls for standardized protocols and training to reduce 15% lifetime DFU risk.
Key Highlights:
- Prevalence: 22.5% DFUs; 35% neuropathy; 28% PAD.
- Screening: 18% annual; 45% unaware of risks.
- Risk: Uncontrolled HbA1c OR 3.2; neuropathy OR 4.1; PAD OR 5.6.
- Barriers: Time (60%), staff shortage (50%), lack of protocols (40%).
- Authors: Alharbi AA, Alharbi AA, Alharbi AA et al.
Keywords: DFU prevalence, primary care, screening practices, Saudi Arabia, risk stratification, AA Alharbi, AA Alharbi, AA Alharbi