ABSTRACT Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most frightened complications of diabetes and is the leading cause of hospitalization among diabetic patients. The aim of study was to assess factors affecting wound healing and determine needs among patients with diabetic foot ulcers and design suggested nursing guidelines. A descriptive exploratory design was used in this study. A purposive sample of 70 patients with diabetic foot ulcer as result of diabetes (40 males and 30 females) attended outpatient clinic at Zagazig University Hospitals were included. Four tools were used for collection of data, first patient's assessment sheet, thai stress test (TST) questionnaire, questionnaire sheet about patient knowledge about diabetes mellitus and foot care, questionnaire about needs of patient with diabetic foot ulcer. The study finding revealed that the mean age of the study sample was (53.4±10) years, there was statistical significant relation between knowledge and patients practice about diabetes. Factors that were significantly affect ulcer healing were age, wound grade, vascular condition, infection, blood glucose, offloading devices, and mental stress. The psychological needs and the total needs were significantly affect diabetic foot ulcer healing. It can be concluded that the most factors which affect ulcer healing were age, wound grade, vascular condition, infection, blood glucose, offloading devices, and mental stress. The high needs for patient with diabetic foot ulcer were psychological needs. Further studies are recommended to identify effects of educational programs on improving patient knowledge and practice regarding care for diabetic foot ulcer. Training courses about diabetic foot care and handouts about suitable shoes should be available for diabetic foot ulcer patient. Key words: wound healing, Diabetic foot ulcer.