A Comparison of the Quality of Life in Patients With Primary and Secondary Lower Limb Lymphedema: A Mixed-Methods Study.

ABSTRACT: Patients with lower limb lymphedema experience symptoms that may differ in intensity and distress. This mixed-methods study compares symptom intensity and distress and the impact of lymphedema on patients' quality of life by primary and secondary (cancer and noncancer) lymphedema groups. Individuals completed an online questionnaire (i.e., demographic form, Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Leg, and an open-ended question). Analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics (quantitative data) and content analysis (qualitative data). Participants differed statistically significantly by gender, employment status, and lymphedema location. Groups differed significantly in lack of self-confidence, χ(2)(df = 2) = 9.19, p = .010. Cancer patients reported higher intensity and

SUBMITTER: Stolldorf DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5033662 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature