Analysis of psychological distress in patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Abstract

Objective To investigate the degree of psychological distress in patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans, and to understand the causes and to analyze the influencing factors. Methods The general information questionnaire, psychological distress thermometer, family APGAR index and family burden scale questionnaire were used to conduct a cross-sectional survey in 145 patients with obliterans in hospital during the period from July 2015 to July 2017. Results The average score of psychological pain of all patients was (4.7±2.2) points, the patients with significant psychological distress was 102 cases, accounting for 70.3% (DT score≥4 points). The main reason caused by lower extremity arterial occlusive disease in patients with psychological distress among the top 10 were: pain, anxiety, sleep problems, physical activity, work/school, restricted travel, numbness, fatigue, constipation, economic problems. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the hospitalization, duration of illness, family care and family burden of the disease affected the scores of psychological pain in different seasons (P<0.05). Conclusions The patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans have severe psychological pain, so the targeted measures should be taken to prevent and treat the risk factors. Key words: Arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremity; Psychological pain; Influencing factor; Distress thermometer