QUALITY-OF-LIFE AND BODY IMAGE IMPAIRMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH LYMPHEDEMA

Abstract

The psychological and social consequences of chronic lymphedema are still oftenoverlooked, as is the frequency with which they occur. Secondary lymphedema after mastectomyor breast-conservation procedures following the diagnosis of breast cancer is especiallycommon and represents a substantial problem for those affected. The aim of this study was toinvestigate differences in body image and quality of life (QOL) between female lymphedemapatients and trauma patients and to further monitor the changes in female lymphedema patientsduring three weeks of rehabilitation. This survey was conducted on 80 female patients at theState Hospital of Wolfsberg/Carinthia, Austria, 40 were trauma patients and the other 40patients had some type of lymphedema, 20 of these patients were located in the generallymphedema ward and 20 in rehabilitation. The Frankfurt Body Image Questionnaire was usedto determine body image, and the German version of the Short Form-36 Health Survey was usedto determine QOL. The results indicate that female lymphedema patients are greatly affected invarious areas of body image and QOL. Lymphedema patients show significantly lower bodyimage scores in seven of nine areas compared to trauma patients. Female lymphedema patientsalso describe their QOL as being lower in the areas of general health perception, vitality andmental well-being. After rehabilitation, there were improvements in the evaluation of physicalfunctioning and an increased acceptance of the body. Patients also showed a significant increasein health perception, vitality and mental health.