Investigation on Stigma of Inpatients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Analysis of Related Factors

Aims: To investigate stigma and its associated factors in hospitalized patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), so as to provide theoretical and data support for psychological care of patients with diabetic foot ulcer. Methods: Patients with diabetic foot ulcer who were hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics of xx hospital from October 2024 to August 2025 were selected as the research subjects. The status quo was investigated using general information questionnaire, Type 2 diabetes stigma rating scale (DSAD-2), generalized anxiety disorder self-rating scale (GAD-7), patient health questionnaire self-rating depression scale (PHQ-9), and social support rating scale (SSRS) and SPSS 25.0 software was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 180 inpatients with diabetic foot ulcer were investigated. The total stigma score was 52.98±7.14. Univariate analysis showed significant associations of stigma with gender, age, education, diabetes duration, anxiety, depression, and social support ( P <0.05). Stigma correlated negatively with social support and positively with anxiety and depression ( P <0.05)..Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed significant differences (R²=0.507, adjusted R²=0.495, F=42.192, P < 0.001) between gender, diabetes duration, anxiety and depression, and stigma. Conclusion: Stigma is common in hospitalized patients with diabetic foot ulcer, and it is more serious in some patients. Gender, duration of diabetes, anxiety and depression were the important factors affecting stigma. Personalized psychological interventions are recommended to promote recovery. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: Training nurses to recognize stigma and psychological distress, alongside implementing tailored support and strengthening social support, can mitigate stigma and improve outcomes. Impact: This study provides empirical evidence on the psychological burden of stigma in DFU inpatients, directly informing clinical nursing practice and patient-centered care strategies. Patient or public contribution: Patients were involved as the study population. No patient or public contribution. Reporting Method: The study adhered to the STROBE checklist.