Prevalence and Factors Associated With Tinea Pedis Among Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: It has been estimated that 30% of diabetic people experience dermatological problems. Fungal infections are the most frequent cause of these lesions. While tinea infections in non-diabetic individuals rarely cause symptoms, in diabetes patients, they can create fistulas and entry sites that can result in catastrophic bacterial infections. Aim: This research paper aims to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with tinea pedis among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The research paper incorporated a cross-sectional study approach with the involvement of a questionnaire-based response aimed at all Saudi inhabitants with diabetes mellitus (DM) who conceded to be part of the study. This research was carried out from March 22, 2023, to May 22, 2023, spanning for three months. The participants who satisfied our requirements provided data using computerized Google Forms for data collection; no nominative information disseminated via social media platforms was visible. The three components of the questionnaire address diabetic information, tinea pedis infections, and foot care. Results: A total of 295 people with diabetes case were involved in the study. Among them, 149 (50.5%) were males, and their ages stretched from 16 to above 60 years, with a mean age of 49.5 ± 12.9 years old. A total of 194 (65.8%) of the study patients had type II DM. Of 134 (45.4%) were diagnosed with diabetes for more than 10 years. Exact 152 (52%) of the study diabetic patients were diagnosed with tinea pedis. Only patients' BMI showed a significant association with having tinea pedis as 47 of overweight diabetics were diagnosed with tinea pedis versus 47 of obese patients and only five patients of others who were underweight (p=0.049). Conclusion: This research concluded that almost 50% of patients with diabetes were suffering from obesity and were earlier diagnosed with tinea pedis and poor glycemic control irrespective of reported good diabetic foot care.