Self-esteem in patients with diabetes mellitus and foot ulcers

AimTo evaluate self-esteem in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and foot ulcers.MethodsThis was a controlled, cross-sectional, analytical study. We selected 50 individuals with DM and foot ulcers (study group), as well as 50 with DM and without foot ulcers (control group). Self-esteem was evaluated using the Federal University of São Paulo/Paulista School of Medicine Portuguese-language version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, on which scores range from 0 to 30, higher scores indicating lower self-esteem.ResultsOf the individuals evaluated, 27 (54%) of those in the study group and 31 (62%) of those in the control group were classified as being of low socioeconomic status (monthly income at or above, but less than double, the national minimum wage). In addition, 27 (54%) of the study group patients had type 2 DM, compared with 29 (58%) of those in the control group. Hypertension was observed in 31 (62%) of the study group patients and 29 (58%) of the control group patients. Of the patients in the study group, 33 (66%) had been diagnosed with heart disease, compared with 23 (46%) of those in the control group. High Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores (21–30) were more common in the study group, being observed in 30 (60%) of the patients, whereas 33 (66%) of the control group patients had low scores (0–10).ConclusionFoot ulcers appear to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of patients with DM.