The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients' quality of life.
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.
['Greene|Adelene|A|', 'Meskell|Pauline|P|']
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D002908:Chronic Disease D004487:Edema D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007494:Ireland D035002:Lower Extremity D008209:Lymphedema D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011788:Quality of Life D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Chronic oedema Quality of life Gravitational/dependency oedema Lipoedema Lymphoedema Lymphovenous oedema