Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among diabetic patients with lower limb amputation in various areas of District Swabi. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale were used for assessment.
Methodology: A simple quantitative cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted in different regions of District Swabi using a convenient sampling technique. A total of 169 diabetic patients were included, with the sample size calculated through the Raosoft calculator. Patients who had undergone lower limb amputation more than two months prior were eligible, while those with amputations less than two months, ICU patients, and individuals with systemic diseases were excluded. Data was collected using validated questionnaires and analyzed through SPSS version 23.
Results: Out of 169 participants, 137 were male (81.1%) and 32 were female (18.9%). The most common amputation level was ankle disarticulation (79 participants; 46.7%), followed by transtibial (56; 33.1%) and knee disarticulation (34; 20.1%). Severe depression was reported by 96 participants (56.8%) on the BDI scale, while 79 participants (46.7%) had severe anxiety on the GAD-7 scale. Mean age was 3.14 ± 0.76, BDI mean score was 4.5 ± 0.61, and GAD mean score was 3.31 ± 0.72.
Conclusion: Most diabetic amputees in this study had ankle disarticulation and demonstrated severe levels of depression and anxiety on standardized scales.