Use of medicinal plants by patients with diabetic foot in northeast Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the epidemiological profile and the use of plants for medicinal purposes in patients undergoing treatment for diabetic foot lesions in health services in the municipality of Imperatriz-MA. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, followed by descriptive statistical analysis of patients diagnosed with diabetic foot lesions. Results: The study included 103 patients. The incidence of diabetic foot was higher in male patients (63.1%), those over 70 years of age (33%), those with 4 to 7 years of schooling (35%), those earning less than 2 minimum wages (60.2%), those treated in public outpatient clinics (88.3%), those with type II diabetes mellitus (85.4%), and those with more than 15 years of diagnosis (38.8%). Conclusion: The occurrence of diabetic foot was higher in male patients over 50 years of age. Low-income patients with little education predominated. Most patients were affected by type II diabetes mellitus. The contribution of this study lies in providing regional epidemiological data that support the planning of public health actions aimed at preventing complications and reducing morbidity and mortality from diabetes.