{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Effect of foot health-related quality of life in rural population: A case-control study.
{Author}: Andreo-García MV;Navarro-Flores E;Losa-Iglesias ME;Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo R;Gómez Salgado J;López-López D;
{Journal}: J Tissue Viability
{Volume}: 32
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 2023 Aug 27
{Factor}: 3.374
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jtv.2023.04.007
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Foot health problems can affect quality of life and general health producing a source of discomfort and pain. Low levels of foot health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are present in patients with foot disabilities, such as hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, or minor toe deformities.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The objective was to analyze the foot health status in patients with and without foot problems in a rural population and its relationship with quality of life.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A prospective case-control study was developed with a sample of 152 patients, 76 subjects with podiatric pathologies and 76 without, in a rural population. HRQoL was measured through the SF-36 Health Questionnaire in the Spanish version.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The case group had a mean age of 49.18 ± 14.96 and the control group 44.16 ± 11.79. Regarding the score of the lowest levels of quality of life related to foot problems, the case group compared to the controls showed: for physical function (79.86 ± 26.38 vs. 92.63 ± 11 0.17, p < 0.001); for the physical role (73.68 ± 41.00 vs. 88.48 ± 27.51, p < 0.0022); for body pain (45.81 ± 27.18 vs. 73.68 ± 41.00, p < 0.035); and for general health (60.36 ± 30.58 vs. 68.71 ± 18.52, p < 0.047). The differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, which showed statistical significance (P < 0.05).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In the rural population, people with foot pathologies present a worse quality of life compared to those who do not present foot pathology, especially for the health domains: physical function, physical role, body pain and health general.