Health behaviours versus the quality of life in patients with atherosclerosis of the lower extremities

Aim of the study: to investigate the influence of preferred health behaviours on the quality of life, as a determinant of maintaining optimal health.

Material and methods: One hundred patients diagnosed with atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, hospitalized in the Clinic of Vascular Surgery and Angiology in University Hospital number 1 in Bydgoszcz were examined. Health behaviours were assessed using the inventory of health behaviours (IZZ) by Juczynski; the quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

Results: Examined patients did not differ much when it comes to health behaviours and the quality of life. Health behaviours were on the high level except for the proper eating habits, which were on the average level. Preventive behaviours were on the highest level, next positive attitude, and then health practices. Health behaviours differ with regard to how long the person was ill. Patients who were suffering from the disease longer had better results regarding proper health behaviours. Patients from the country assessed better the social sphere of the quality of life. It has been demonstrated that the quality of life was not dependent on health behaviours. Global quality of life was positively considered by the majority, however some patients were not satisfied with their health. The physical sphere gained the least score, then the psychological and environmental sphere. The social sphere got the highest score.

Conclusions: The results received may help to better understand problems and needs of the patient with atherosclerosis of the lower extremities as well as increase the motivation to fight the disease. It may also serve to educate patients and their families.