Bio-Psychosocial Needs of Patients with Post Diabetic Foot Amputation

Diabetes is the cause for nearly 80% of the non-traumatic amputation. Amputation could be
described as the removal of a body extremity by surgery. The patients post diabetic foot
amputations are exposed to many physical, social and psychological problems which affect on his
life. Aim of the study: to assess the bio-psychosocial needs of patients with post diabetic foot
amputation. Research design: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized. Subjects: 50
patients admitted in diabetic foot clinic. Setting: outpatient clinic in Beni–Suef health insurance
hospital at Beni–Suef city Egypt was selected for this study. Tools for data collection:
Demographic data assessment tool, medical data assessment tool, patients’ knowledge assessment
interview questionnaire, bio psychosocial needs assessment interview questionnaire and diabetic
foot reported practice checklist. Results: 56% of the studied patients had unsatisfactory of total
knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot amputation. 72% of the studied patients
had unsatisfactory self care of non-amputated foot and 78% of them had satisfactory self care of
amputated foot. While regarding physical problems, 24% of the studied patients had moderate
pain and 52% of them need assistance with daily living activities regarding bathing, toileting and
moving. Also, 48% of them need assistance regarding functional performance. A regard to the
psychological needs, 100% of the studied patients suffered psychosomatic symptoms, GIT
symptoms and behaviors symptoms on speech. Furthermore, in relation to the social needs, 32%
of the studied patients stated that they had mild social needs parameters as feeling financial
burden about cost of treatment. Conclusion: more than half of studied patients suffered from
many physical, psychological and social problems post diabetic foot amputation.
Recommendation: Rehabilitation programs for patients with diabetic foot amputation must be
implemented through the collaboration of various rehabilitation team members.