Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Abstract: Foot ulcers are a significant source of morbidity, mortality and diminished quality of life (QOL) in patients with diabetes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as a possible treatment. Aim: this study aims to evaluate the effect of HBOT on QOL in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used. This study was conducted at the HBOT unit and surgical outpatient clinics, affiliated to Naser Institute Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample included 46 adult patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Tools: 1) Patient's interviewing sheet to assess QOL domains: physical, psychological, social and spiritual (pre/post tests), 2) Strauss wound classification scoring system (Pre/post tests), 3) Wound symptoms chart (pre/post tests), 4) Hamiltons anxiety rating scale and 5) Numerical rating pain scale (pre/post tests). Results: Statistically significant differences were found between QOL domains before and after HBOT among the studied patients. Moreover there is an obvious improvement regarding wound ulcers healing added to significant reduction in the anxiety level post treatment sessions. Conclusion: HBOT had a positive effect on the improvement of QOL in patients with diabetic foot ulcers, which is possibly attributable to better ulcers healing. Recommendations: Further studies should be done to assess the long term success of HBOT and to follow up patient's QOL.