The Predictors of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy and Its Effect on Quality of Life

BackgroundKnowing the prevalence and predictors of neuropathic pain and its impacts on the quality of life (QoL) using measurement tools is important for good diabetes management. In Turkish society, neuropathic pain, its predictors and its impact on the quality of life of diabetics are not considered enough.ObjectivesThis study examined the prevalence and predictors of neuropathic pain and its impacts on the quality of life in diabetics in Rize Province, Turkey.DesignThis study was designed as a cross-sectional, correlational study.SettingData collected through face-to-face interviews. The sample size was determined using the formula n= N t²pq / d² (N-1) + t²pq].ParticipantThe sample of the study consisted of 122 people with diabetes who visited the diabetes outpatient clinic of the hospital.MethodsA Personal Information Form, Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4), and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) were used to collect data. Pain intensity was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)ResultsThe prevalence of the diagnosed painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN) was found to be 22.9%. On the other hand, the prevalence of the undiagnosed PDPN was found to be 44.3% according to DN4 and 27.9% according to LANSS. The VAS pain score was determined as 1.99±1.20 (range: 1-5). In the people with PDPN, nephropathy was seen 4.514 times more frequently according to DN4 and 7.217 times more frequently according to LANSS. Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy had negative effects on all dimensions of QoL except for social function and mental health (p <0.05).ConclusionsIt is important for nurses to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of PDPN in their region and to evaluate the effect of pain on the quality of life of diabetics. Nurses should attempt to increase the quality of life of people with diabetes by reducing the predictors affecting pain.