A cross sectional study of chronic venous insufficiency and quality of life for patients presenting to IIUM teaching hospitals in Pahang,Malaysi

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the disease in the world which been frequently unrecognized and underestimated. It has been shown to have an adverse effect on the quality of life among its sufferers. Aim of this study is to describe demographic of CVI in a developing country and its effect on Quality of life (QoL). It is a cross sectional study of CVI cases presenting to vascular or surgical clinic of three IIUM teaching hospitals in Pahang between 1st February2018 to 28th February 2019. Consented patients with CVI aged 18 years and above without surgical intervention for chronic venous diseases were recruited in this study. Quality of life was assessed using a validated SF-36 questionnaire. A total of 110 patients were recruited with a slight male predominance (56%). The mean age was 57 (SD14). Ethnically, 66% were Malay, 26% were Chinese and 16% were Indian. The commonest symptom was pain (42%), followed by ulcer (34%). The majority presented with clinical staging of C2 (34%), followed by C5 (25%), C4 (18%), C3 (10%), C6 (9%) and C1 (4%). Reflux is the most common pathology (80%). Quality of life is significantly impaired both physical (Physical functioning, Role physical, Bodily pain & General health) and mental component (Vitality, Social functioning, Role emotion & Mental health) in patients with advanced clinical stage C4 to C6. The p value was significant for physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, role emotional and mental health components (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, this study shows majority of our patients present at a later stage with complication and this have significantly affect their quality of life. We need to educate and raise awareness among our population, health care professionals and authorities. Treatment at early stages can reduced socioeconomic burden and improve quality of life.