Correlation of anxiety and depression with pain in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and analysis of risk factors

Abstract

Background: Pain often predisposes patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to negative emotional states, such as anxiety and depression, which can significantly impair treatment outcomes and recovery. However, very few studies have explored the relationship between anxiety, depression, and pain in DFUs, as well as the associated risk factors.

Aim: To analyze the correlation between anxiety, depression, and pain in patients with DFUs and to identify the associated risk factors.

Methods: This study included 106 patients diagnosed with DFUs who were admitted to Tiantai County People's Hospital between March 2022 and March 2024. The patients' anxiety levels were evaluated using Zung's self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), depression status was assessed using Zung's self-rating depression scale (SDS), and pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Subsequently, correlations between SAS, SDS, and VAS scores were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the risk factors that contributed to anxiety and depression in patients with DFUs.

Results: Among the 106 patients, 39.62% exhibited anxiety and 43.40% presented with depression. Most patients experiencing anxiety or depression exhibited mild symptoms, with no severe cases observed. Compared with asymptomatic patients, those with anxiety or depression had significantly higher VAS scores. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between both SAS and SDS scores and the VAS score. Univariate analysis identified sex, age, Wagner's grade, presence of other complications, and smoking history as factors significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Multivariate analysis further confirmed that younger age, higher Wagner's grade, and higher VAS scores were independent predictors of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion: This study reveals a significant positive correlation between anxiety, depression, and pain in patients with DFUs. This finding suggests that timely and effective pain intervention may be beneficial in alleviating negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. In addition, younger age (< 50 years), higher Wagner's grade, and higher VAS scores increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression in this patient population.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Diabetic foot ulcers; Pain; Risk factors.