Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease associated with severe multi-system
complications including, but not exclusive to, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease,
renal and cardiovascular disease. Diabetic peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy often
result in foot ulcers and Charcot arthropathy that can be complicated by infection, amputation
and increased morbidity and mortality. Diabetic patients, especially those with severe functional
impairment, have more frequent symptoms of psychological depression then the general
population, which is further increased if the patient concurrently has a diabetic foot ulcer.
Currently, there is limited information available on the effect of diabetic foot complications on
other mental health issues, including tlle sphere and extent of anxiety disorders, co-morbid
alcohol and substance abuse disorders, suicidality, and perceived need for mental health
treatment. There is also a gap in ilie knowledge on ilie physical, emotional, and psychological
stress that is placed on the caregiver, frequently being spouses and extended family members, for
a patient with DM and DM foot problems. Therefore, the goal of this research was to evaluate
diabetic patients with and without diabetic foot problems, and caregivers of patients with diabetic
foot problems. The student will use patient interviews, and a series of psychological outcomes
surveys to explore the impact that this disease has on the popUlation and ilieir caregivers. The
objectives for the student would be gain knowledge of evidenced based medicine, biostatistics
and epidemiological skills to evaluate the impact this disease has on select patient populations.
