title: Evaluating and improving health-related quality of life in patients with varicose veins.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We set out to assess the new Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (Aberdeen Questionnaire) for the properties necessary for a valid measure of health outcome, to determine quality of life of patients with varicose veins, and to determine the effect of surgery on quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective consecutive cohort of 137 patients undergoing varicose vein surgery completed the self-administered SF-36 and Aberdeen Questionnaire and 25 questions relating to the symptoms and concerns of patients with varicose veins. Follow-up was done by repeated questionnaires 6 weeks after surgery. The Aberdeen Questionnaire was assessed for reliability, validity, responsiveness, and practicality. Quality of life of patients with varicose veins was compared with an age- and sex-matched sample of the general population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reliability estimates for the 8 scales short-form health survey (SF-36) and the Aberdeen Questionnaire were all above 0.7 (Cronbach's alpha). The Aberdeen Questionnaire had a highly significant correlation (r = 0. 74, P <.0001) with the patients' symptoms and concerns questionnaire, which is evidence of its validity. Patients with varicose veins score lower than United Kingdom norms (P <.001) in the physical domains of the SF-36, indicating worse health. After surgery, the SF-36 scores improved in all 8 domains of health, reaching significance in "Mental Health" (P <.05) and approaching significance in "General Health" (P =.066). The Health Transition Item of the SF-36 and the Aberdeen Questionnaire both showed a highly significant improvement in health (P <.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Aberdeen Questionnaire is a valid measure of quality of life for patients with varicose veins. Persons with varicose veins have a reduced quality of life compared with the general population, and this discrepancy is significantly improved at 6 weeks by operating on them.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Garratt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guest
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Greenhalgh
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*