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The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients' quality of life.

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients' quality of life.
Abstract
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.
Publication
International wound journal
Volume
14
Issue
3
Pages
561-568
Date
2017 Jun
Journal Abbr
Int Wound J
Language
eng
ISSN
1742-481X 1742-4801
Rights
© 2016 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Extra
Place: England
Citation
Greene, A., & Meskell, P. (2017). The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients’ quality of life. International Wound Journal, 14(3), 561–568. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12648
Publication