Regional differences in risk factors and clinical presentation of XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1095 @entity6 @entity2316 @entity16 @entity3949 @entity164 @entity27376
BACKGROUND: Problems associated with the @entity6 foot are worldwide. However, there may be regional variation among risk factors and clinical presentation. Prospective comparative data concerning this topic are rare. AIM: To determine differences in underlying risk factors and clinical presentation of foot problems among @entity1 with @entity6 in different regions. @entity1 AND METHODS: Six hundred and thirteen consecutive @entity1 with @entity2316 from three centres [Soest-Germany (GER), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania (TAN) and Chennai, India (IND)] were included during the period June 1998 through December 1999. @entity6 -related data, risk-factor profiles, and lesion-related data were collected for each @entity1 . Due to varying proportions of recurrent lesions among the centres, only data from @entity1 with newly presenting @entity2316 were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 613 @entity1 sampled, 368 (60%) were treated for newly presenting @entity2316 . In all three centres, @entity1 were predominately male and had @entity164 2 @entity6 . The average @entity6 duration until the onset of the initial foot lesion was 14 years in GER and 12 years in IND, but only 5 years in @entity27376 . The corresponding @entity1 ages were 71, 56 and 51 years. @entity16 was common to @entity1 in all three centres. @entity1095 ( @entity1095 ) was a frequent risk factor in GER (48%). In TAN and IND it was far less common (12 and 13%), probably due to younger @entity1 populations, @entity6 and lower proportions of smokers. Inadequate footwear was the most common cause of foot lesions in GER (19%), while lack of footwear, irregular foot care and burns were the primary precipitating factors among @entity1 in TAN and IND. CONCLUSION: Similarities in different regions of the world among @entity1 with @entity6 suffering newly presenting foot lesions include a predominance of males and @entity1 with @entity164 2 @entity6 , as well as a high frequency of @entity3949 . However, differences concerning age, @entity6 duration, @entity1095 , and precipitating factors contributing to injury are also observed.
