The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients’ quality of life
Adelene Greene & Pauline Meskell. Int Wound J 2017; 14:561–568
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Abstract
The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients’ quality of life
Adelene Greene & Pauline Meskell. Int Wound J 2017; 14:561–568
This study aimed to explore patients’ perceptions regarding the impact that lower limb chronic oedema has on their quality of life (QoL). A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data from patients with lower limb chronic oedema. A condition-specific validated questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample (n = 122) through manual lymphatic drainage/vascular/health clinics in Ireland. Results indicated that patients with lower limb chronic oedema experience a wide range of physical problems such as limb heaviness (74%, n = 66), weakness (44%, n = 40) and pain (38%, n = 34). Additionally, difficulties with walking (53%, n = 48), standing (51%, n = 46) and bending (45%, n = 40) were reported. Concerns regarding poor body image were strongly evident (76%, n = 68). Difficulties finding clothing/footwear to fit oedematous limb(s) were reported (59%, n = 53), in addition to finding clothes that participants would like to wear (64%, n = 58). Emotional symptoms of irritability (42%, n = 38), anxiety (41%, n = 37) and tension (40%, n = 36) were reported. Over half of the participants (55%, n = 49) stated that their chronic swelling affected their social functioning and their ability to engage in leisure activities. This study has identified that lower limb chronic oedema has significant psychological, social and physical implications for persons’ QoL.
Main findings
- Those with lower limb chronic oedema have a reduced quality of life.
- Physical problems include limb heaviness, weakness, pain, difficulty walking, standing and bending. Poor body image was an issue and they found it difficult to find appropriate clothes.
- Prevalence of chronic oedema is greater among those who are older than 50years.
- Quality of life of patients with lower limb oedema becomes reduced as they get older.
- 77% of the participants in this study were female but the male participants had a poorer quality of life. The author’s reason for this is that females have better compliance with treatment than males.
