بكالوريوس / Bachelor's

Here’s a concise overview of Research Objectives - General objective: Determine the prevalence and associated factors of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) among patients at Al-Jemaih Diabetic Center, Dongola. - Specific objectives: - Estimate the prevalence of DFU among participants. - Describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (age, sex, residence, diabetes type/duration, comorbidities, BMI, blood pressure). - Assess foot-care practices (daily inspection, footwear, barefoot walking, education). - Identify sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors (e.g., smoking, physical activity, hypertension, obesity). Methodology - Design: Facility-based, descriptive analytical cross-sectional study. - Population: Adults (≥18 years) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes attending Al-Jemaih Diabetic Center. - Sample size: 360 patients, calculated using prevalence data from River Nile State (12.7%). - Sampling technique: Systematic random sampling from daily clinic lists. - Data collection tools: - Structured Arabic questionnaire (sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, foot-care). - Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. - Direct foot inspection to confirm ulcers. - Record review for glucose/HbA1c and comorbidities. - Analysis: SPSS v27; prevalence with 95% CI; chi-square and logistic regression to identify associated factors. - Ethics: Approval from Northern State Ministry of Health; informed consent; confidentiality maintained. 📈 Expected Outcomes - First local estimate of DFU prevalence in Dongola. - Identification of modifiable risk factors (e.g., smoking, poor foot care, uncontrolled diabetes). - Evidence to guide screening, patient education, and referral programs at Al-Jemaih Center and Northern State Ministry of Health. - Baseline data for future prospective studies and policy planning. - Contribution to reducing DFU-related complications such as amputation, poor quality of life, and high treatment costs. This summary captures the essence of your proposal: a practical, locally relevant study that addresses a major public health issue in Sudan.

Confidentiality Measures - No identifying data recorded: Names or personal identifiers will not be written on questionnaires; participants will be identified only by codes. - Secure storage: Completed forms will be kept in a locked location accessible only to the research team. - Privacy during procedures: Interviews and measurements will be conducted respectfully, with same‑sex staff where possible, to maintain cultural sensitivity. - Voluntary participation: Participants can refuse or withdraw at any time without affecting their care. Data Security Measures - Restricted access: Only the research team will handle raw data. - Minimal risk procedures: Interviews, weight/height, and blood pressure measurements are non‑invasive. - Immediate referral: Participants found with active ulcers will be referred promptly for medical care, ensuring ethical responsibility. - Purpose limitation: Data will be used solely for this research and shared only with Al‑Jemaih Center and the Northern State Ministry of Health.

Here’s a clear description of Benefits to Participants - Clinical awareness: Participation helps patients reflect on their diabetes management and foot‑care practices, potentially improving self‑care. - Early detection: Direct foot inspection may identify ulcers that patients were unaware of, leading to timely referral and treatment. - Health education: All participants will receive brief advice on proper foot care, reducing their risk of future complications. Benefits to the Healthcare System & Society - Local prevalence data: Provides the first estimate of DFU prevalence in Dongola, filling a critical knowledge gap. - Risk factor identification: Highlights modifiable factors (e.g., smoking, poor glycemic control, barefoot walking) that can be targeted in prevention programs. - Policy guidance: Results will inform the Northern State Ministry of Health in planning screening, education, and referral services. - Community health impact: Improved prevention and management reduce amputations, hospital stays, treatment costs, and mortality. - Scientific contribution: Adds evidence to the literature on DFU in Sudan and similar low‑resource settings, supporting future research and interventions.