Quality of life and associated factors in patients with lower limb chronic venous insufficiency

Abstract

Background: Lower limb chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a global issue. The disease has significant effects on the quality of life (QoL) with substantial burden on the healthcare system. In Vietnam, the QoL of patients suffering from lower limb CVI has not received much attention. This study evaluated the QoL and associated factors in patients with lower limb CVI in order to improve care as well as the well-being of patients.Objectives: To identify the QoL score and associated factors in patients with lower extremity CVI.Study methods: This is a retrospective observational study of 68 randomly selected patients with lower limb CVI at Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. All patients were interviewed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between QoL score and other factors.Results: The mean scores of patients with lower limb CVI in physical health was 51.56±14.53, mental health was 53.91±15.20, overall QoL was 52.74±10.30. Factors associated with QoL was gender, income, disease severity based on CEAP clinical classification, level of physical activities and the use of medial pressure socks.Conclusions: QoL of patients with lower limb CVI was decreased, both physically and mentally. Patients should be encouraged to exercise more and use medial pressure socks to improve the QoL.