Functional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic disease that negatively affects individuals&apos; functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to investigate the HRQOL and associated factors in patients with PAD in Korea. We conducted a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires in a tertiary hospital in Seoul. We measured HRQOL using the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and the functional status using a PAD-specific walking impairment questionnaire. We also measured health behavior, social support, walking impairment, general health perceptions, and clinical characteristics; lastly, we performed a descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Participants of this study comprised 138 patients (mean age 69.04 & PLUSMN; 10.94 years; men 91.3%). The mean EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.81 & PLUSMN; 0.17. The patients&apos; HRQOL was significantly associated with claudication pain (beta = -0.188, p = 0.012), walking distance (beta = 0.371, p < 0.001), and stair climbing (beta = 0.315, p = 0.001). The regression model predicted 60.4% of patients&apos; HRQOL (F = 15.92, p < 0.001). Our study showed that less severe claudication pain and a low degree of difficulty in walking distance and stair climbing were significantly related to better HRQOL. To enhance patients&apos; HRQOL, health professionals should focus on managing symptoms and improving functional status.