Factors Associated with Reported Infection and Lymphedema Symptoms among Individuals with Extremity Lymphedema

Jie Deng, Mei R. Fu, Jane M. Armer, Janice N. Cormier, M. Elise Radina, Saskia R J Thiadens, Jan Weiss, Catherine M. Tuppo, Mary S. Dietrich, Sheila H. Ridner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to examine factors associated with reported infection and symptoms among individuals with extremity lymphedema. Design A cross-sectional study was used. Methods Data were collected from a survey supported by the National Lymphedema Network from March 2006 through January 2010. A total of 1837 participants reported having extremity lymphedema. Logistic regression analyses were used. Findings Factors associated with reported infection among individuals with extremity lymphedema included male gender, decreased annual household income, decreased self-care, self-report of heaviness, and lower extremity as opposed to upper extremity. Factors associated with symptoms included infection, decreased self-care, lower knowledge level of self-care, decreased annual household income, and presence of secondary lower extremity lymphedema. Conclusions/Clinical Relevance Select factors of income, self-care status, and site of lymphedema were associated with increased occurrence of infection and symptoms among individuals with extremity lymphedema. Longitudinal studies are needed to identify risk factors contributing to infections and symptoms in individuals with lymphedema.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)310-319
Number of pages10
JournalRehabilitation Nursing
Volume40
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2015

Keywords

  • Long-term care
  • evidence-based practice
  • infection
  • lymphedema
  • nurses
  • symptom

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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