부산대학교 도서관

Background: This study was carried out based on the recent realisation about pain as a factor in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) care and the significance and impact of DFU-related pain experiences on individual well-being. Aim: To determine the presence of DFU-related pain and its relationship to quality of life (QoL). Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study utilised the wound-related pain questionnaire and generic QoL instrument -- the Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-12v2). Results: All the participants (n=14) experienced DFU-related pain at rest and during performance of activities of daily living. In relation to dressing change, 78.6% of the participants reported the experience of DFU-related pain. DFU-related pain occurring as incident/background pain was significantly related to physical health status (physical functioning only) and mental health status (social functioning only), with p<0.05. General mental health concerning psychological distress and psychological well-being was found to be significantly related to DFU-related pain experienced in relation to dressing change (p=0.03). Conclusion: DFU-related pain is inherent in patients with DFUs at rest, during performance of activities of daily living, and at dressing change, which could affect physical, social and mental functioning. To improve patients' QoL outcomes, clinical practice should therefore incorporate strategies to assess and treat DFU-related pain.