Quality of life in those with diabetic foot ulcers

NewsBot · Sep 14, 2025

Patient-Reported Experience (PREMs) and Outcome (PROMs) Measures in Diabetic Foot Disease Management-A Scoping Review
Elisa Amato et al
J Clin Med. 2025 Aug 29;14(17):6116.

Background/Objectives: Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that negatively impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Patients' perceptions of health status and healthcare can be assessed using Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). This article aims to review the available literature on PREMs and PROMs, evaluate their characteristics, and determine whether an existing measure is applicable to or can be developed for the patient population of a third-level unit for diabetic foot. Methods: A search through Cinahl, Scopus, and Pubmed electronic databases was conducted to identify studies published between 2000 and 2024. Eligible studies included those using PREMs and PROMs in patients with DFS. Studies that used self-assessment methods or open questions and those that applied PROMs in people living with diabetes without diabetic foot were excluded. Results: After a careful selection, 53 studies met the inclusion criteria: none of these applied PREMs. Regarding PROMs, 46 studies applied a generic method alone or in combination with a specific tool to large populations comparing patient groups, while 7 studies applied a specific PROM alone to small populations evaluating specific aspects of pathology. Conclusions: In the existing literature, generic tools are mainly reported. No gold standard has yet been identified among all the tools considered for assessment of quality of life or patients' perceptions of their health. Further studies are needed to develop a reliable and specific PREM or PROM questionnaire for complex patients affected by DFS.
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NewsBot · Sep 14, 2025

Psychological determinants of Health-Related quality of life in primary care patients with diabetic foot ulcers: a cross-sectional study in Singapore
Xiaoli Zhu, Jiayi Weng, Eng Sing Lee, Frederick H F Chan, Phoebe XH Lim, Ling Jia Goh, Jacqueline Giovanna De Roza, Yee Chui Chen and Konstadina Griva
BJGP Open 10 September 2025; BJGPO.2025.0091. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGPO.2025.0091

Background Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) significantly impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While clinical predictors are well established, the contribution of psychological factors, particularly in primary care, remains underexplored.

Aim To examine the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological determinants of HRQoL in individuals with DFUs to inform development of psychologically informed interventions.

Design & Setting Cross-sectional study in primary care settings.

Method A total of 186 patients with DFUs completed validated measures, including psychological variables (eg, the Diabetes Distress Scale and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire) and Wound-QoL, which assesses quality of life in Body, Psyche, and Everyday Life domains. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses evaluated the contribution of psychological variables to HRQoL.

Results Psychological burden dominated, with Psyche HRQoL impaired in 57% of participants (mean = 2.0), outpacing Everyday Life (38%; mean = 1.3) and Body domains (24%; mean = 0.8). In hierarchical models, psychological variables—together with sociodemographic and clinical factors—explained 31.4% of the variance in Body HRQoL, with interpersonal distress and threat perceptions emerging as significant predictors. A similar model accounted for 39.2% of the variance in Psyche HRQoL, with female gender, emotional burden, and threat perceptions as key predictors. Everyday Life HRQoL was significantly associated with HbA1c, independence in daily activities, emotional burden, and threat perceptions, with the full model explaining 40.9% of the variance.

Conclusion Psychological factors significantly contributed to reduced HRQoL in primary care patients with DFUs. Routine screening and targeted, psychologically informed support—particularly for women, those with poor glycaemic control, or limited functional independence—are essential to improve outcomes.
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NewsBot · Jan 4, 2026

The lived reality of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta-synthesis on patients' experiences and coping for a high-quality life
Arman Erjaee et al
J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2025 Oct 16;24(2):236.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes mellitus, leading to infection, amputation, and reduced quality of life. Beyond their clinical impact, DFUs impose psychological, social, and economic burdens on affected individuals. Despite extensive research on DFU prevention and management, the lived experiences of those suffering from DFUs remain underexplored. Understanding these experiences is essential for improving patient-centered interventions and holistic care approaches.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies were conducted following PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2020 to 2024. Studies were selected based on the SPIDER framework, focusing on adults with DFUs and their lived experiences. Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesize data, identifying first-, second-, and third-order constructs. Thematic synthesis was applied to extract key challenges, coping strategies, and resilience factors from the included studies.

Results: The analysis included 27 studies with 576 participants and identified four uplifting themes: (1) Rising Above Daily Challenges with DFUs, showing how people stay active, turn struggles into strengths, and care for their feet with pride; (2) Moving Forward Through Uncertainty and Connection, highlighting hope, teamwork with others, and efforts to find helpful information; (3) Embracing a New Way of Living, reflecting creative solutions, joy in fresh starts, and welcoming support; and (4) Growing Stronger with Purpose and Support, capturing personal growth and building encouraging relationships. These themes reveal the many ways participants shine through their experiences.

Conclusion: This meta-synthesis underscores the complex, multifaceted impact of DFUs beyond the physical wound, emphasizing the necessity of holistic, patient-centered care. Enhancing communication, addressing psychosocial challenges, and integrating support systems can improve outcomes and quality of life for DFU patients. Future research should focus on culturally tailored interventions and longitudinal studies to track resilience over time.
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NewsBot · Mar 9, 2026

Validity, Reliability and Responsiveness of Wound-QoL-14 Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients With Diabetes Related Foot Ulcers
L Hitchman et al
Int Wound J. 2026 Mar;23(3):e70816.

Diabetes related foot ulcers (DFU) are associated with significant physical, psychological and social dysfunction. Measuring the impact of treatments on patients' overall well-being is vital to ensure care is holistic. This study aimed to validate the Wound-Qol-14 quality of life assessment tool in people with a DFU. A single centre longitudinal prospective validation study in people with DFUs was conducted. Wound-Qol-14, Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale-Short Form (DFS-SF) and EuroQol 5 dimensions 5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) were completed by people with DFUs at baseline and 6 months. Wound-Qol-14 was repeated within 7 days of the first questionnaire. Correlation coefficients with a cut off of ≥ 0.7 were used to assess convergent validity, divergent validity and responsiveness to changes in DFU severity. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's α. The study aimed to recruit 100 people. One hundred and seven people were recruited. The mean age was 62 (SD 13) years and 85 (79.4%) were male. The mean DFU duration was 30 (SD 83) days and the mean DFU area was 6.2 (SD 10.7) cm2. Convergent validity was demonstrated in all domains of Wound-Qol-14 and DFS-SF (r - 0.695 to -0.799) except burden/bothered about ulcer care domains (r = -0.443). There was moderate correlation between Wound-Qol-14 domains and EQ-5D-5L dimensions (r = 0.477-0.501). Cronbach's α ranged from 0.683 to 0.919 for the domains of Wound-Qol-14. Wound-Qol-14 was not responsive to changes in DFU severity (r = -0.291; 95% CI -0.501 to -0.048) but was responsive to healing status (healed 1.14 [IQR 0.86] vs. unhealed 1.86 [IQR 1.47]; p = 0.017). Wound-Qol-14 is a valid and reliable tool to measure disease-specific quality of life in people with DFUs. Further work is needed to refine the responsiveness. EQ-5D-5L should be used to measure generic quality of life in people with DFUs.
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NewsBot · Mar 15, 2026

Validity, Reliability and Responsiveness of Wound‐QoL‐14 Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients With Diabetes Related Foot Ulcers
L Hitchman et al
Int Wound J. 2026 Mar 8;23(3):e70816. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70816

Diabetes related foot ulcers (DFU) are associated with significant physical, psychological and social dysfunction. Measuring the impact of treatments on patients' overall well‐being is vital to ensure care is holistic. This study aimed to validate the Wound‐Qol‐14 quality of life assessment tool in people with a DFU. A single centre longitudinal prospective validation study in people with DFUs was conducted. Wound‐Qol‐14, Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale—Short Form (DFS‐SF) and EuroQol 5 dimensions 5 levels (EQ‐5D‐5L) were completed by people with DFUs at baseline and 6 months. Wound‐Qol‐14 was repeated within 7 days of the first questionnaire. Correlation coefficients with a cut off of ≥ 0.7 were used to assess convergent validity, divergent validity and responsiveness to changes in DFU severity. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's α. The study aimed to recruit 100 people. One hundred and seven people were recruited. The mean age was 62 (SD 13) years and 85 (79.4%) were male. The mean DFU duration was 30 (SD 83) days and the mean DFU area was 6.2 (SD 10.7) cm2. Convergent validity was demonstrated in all domains of Wound‐Qol‐14 and DFS‐SF (r − 0.695 to −0.799) except burden/bothered about ulcer care domains (r = −0.443). There was moderate correlation between Wound‐Qol‐14 domains and EQ‐5D‐5L dimensions (r = 0.477–0.501). Cronbach's α ranged from 0.683 to 0.919 for the domains of Wound‐Qol‐14. Wound‐Qol‐14 was not responsive to changes in DFU severity (r = −0.291; 95% CI −0.501 to −0.048) but was responsive to healing status (healed 1.14 [IQR 0.86] vs. unhealed 1.86 [IQR 1.47]; p = 0.017). Wound‐Qol‐14 is a valid and reliable tool to measure disease‐specific quality of life in people with DFUs. Further work is needed to refine the responsiveness. EQ‐5D‐5L should be used to measure generic quality of life in people with DFUs.
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Quality of life in those with diabetic foot ulcers

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Quality of life in those with diabetic foot ulcers

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Quality of life in those with lesser toe deformities

Foot Health Quality of Life in those with Breast Cancer

Hallux limtus and quality of life

Quality of life after fracture-related infection of the foot

Tailor's Bunion and Quality of Life

Quality of life after flat foot surgery

Foot Health and Quality of Life in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Share This Page

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