Lower Extremity Amputation among Diabetic Patients in San Antonio, Texas.

BACKGROUND

In the United States, ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes-related lower extremity amputations (LEA) and have higher associated mortality rates than non-Hispanic Whites. Bexar County, a county in south Texas, had higher diabetes rates than both Texas and the national average. Bexar County also had one of the highest LEA hospital admission rates in the State.

AIM: Elucidate diabetes-related LEA factors to assist policy makers and health professionals develop more effective interventions.

RESULTS

For participants who had more than one amputation, the time between amputations was approximately 1 year. Hispanics endorsed more diabetic health beliefs than non-Hispanic Whites. Participants 64 and younger reported greater social support and greater depression symptomatology than participants 65 and older. Participants with an amputation reported greater ability to engage in activities that would manage their diabetes than participants without an amputation. Participants without an amputation reported greater concern of their general health than participants with an amputation.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated the necessity for more research on diabetic amputation and related depression among Hispanics. The study also highlighted the need to create culturally appropriate interventions to reduce the rate and frequency of additional amputations.