Title:Prevalence and Associated Factors of Toenail Onychomycosis Among
Patients with Diabetes in Jordan
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Author(s): Hesham Alrauosh, Anas Ababneh*, Faris G. Bakri, Mousa Abujbara, Hashem Kanaan and Nidal A. Younes
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Nursing, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
Keywords:
Onychomycosis, toenail, diabetes mellitus, prevalence, diabetic foot, hypoglycemic.
Abstract:
Background: Toenail onychomycosis is common in patients with diabetes and it can increase
the risk of secondary infections and foot complications. Despite several studies investigating
the prevalence and associated factors of toenail onychomycosis from different parts of the world,
there are no data from Jordan.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and the associated factors of toenail onychomycosis among
patients with diabetes in Jordan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 375 patients with diabetes at the National
Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics in Amman, Jordan. Several socio-demographic
and health-independent variables including foot self-care practices were collected. Toenail onychomycosis
was assessed by a specimen culture and microscopic examinations. Descriptive and
inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
Results: The prevalence of toenail onychomycosis was 57.6% (n=216). Multiple logistic regression
revealed four significant associated factors; the presence of neuropathy (β=1.87, p=0.02), being
an ex-smoker (β=2.69, p=0.01), being treated by both insulin and oral hypoglycemics drugs
(β=1.32, p=0.03), and using antibiotics in the last year (β=1.78, p=0.02).
Conclusion: The prevalence of toenail onychomycosis among patients with diabetes in Jordan is
high. Regular foot screening and podiatric care are recommended especially among patients with
diabetic neuropathy, current treatment by insulin and oral hypoglycemics drugs, previous history of
smoking, and previous use of antibiotics.