Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with chronic pain who suffer from ischemic disease of the lower limbs

Introduction: Lower limb ischemic disease reduces quality of life and causes chronic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate quality of life of patients with chronic pain who suffer from ischemic disease of the lower limbs. The research carried out looked for answers to the question of how individual factors impact on the quality of life of patients.

Material and methods:  The study was conducted at the Department of Vascular Surgery and the Vascular Surgery Clinic of the University Hospital in Krakow. This included a group of 105 patients aged 47-93 years, who experienced chronic pain. In the study, a diagnostic survey method was used – a surveying technique, which used the following tools: a questionnaire of our own design, questionnaire WHOQOL-BREF, Barthel scale, scales pain: VAS, NRS and the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire.

Results: Men accounted for 60% of the study group and the remainder were women. Patients felt the pain for an average of 1.67 years. Patients most often experienced pain after walking 200 metres and at night. The average intensity of pain felt by respondents was 6.39 points. The women recorded lower quality of life than men. People in stable relationships showed higher quality of life compared to single people. The quality of life of respondents determined the time of experiencing pain, according to the circumstances of its occurrence. Fontaine, as well as the efficiency of the patients in the days of daily activities. People found it less efficient as lower than those who are more efficient.

Conclusions: Analysis of the results led to the conclusion that the occurrence of chronic pain in patients with ischemic lower extremity had a negative impact on their lives. Their quality of life was far from desirable, and they had insufficient skills to cope with the chronic pain. These results indicate that patients need to embrace holistic medical care, with particular emphasis on mental health and social aspects.