Self-esteem in patients with diabetes mellitus and foot ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate self-esteem in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and foot ulcers.


METHODS
This 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.


RESULTS
Of 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).


CONCLUSIONS
Foot ulcers appear to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of patients with DM.
Division of Plastic Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil. salomereiki@yahoo.com.br
Geraldo Magela
GM
Salomé
Donata
D
Maria de Souza Pellegrino
Leila
L
Blanes
Lydia Masako
LM
Ferreira
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept