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Prevalence and risk factors for chronic lower limb oedemain the older population – A community cohort study
O'Connor, Maree A. Kuys, Suzanne S. Tutt, Kerryn L. Steele, Michael Hawke, Helen M.
O'Connor, Maree A.
Kuys, Suzanne S.
Tutt, Kerryn L.
Steele, Michael
Hawke, Helen M.
Abstract
Older people are at risk of chronic oedema that increases morbidity and reduces quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to explore the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for chronic oedema in older community-dwelling people.
Methods Non-health professionals completed routine screening of older people receiving community-age care between 2020 and 2022, including a 10-second pitting test to detect foot and ankle oedema, age, gender, comorbidities, mobility and care levels. Participant characteristics were described, and unadjusted analyses and logistic regression were completed to explore factors associated with oedema.
Results There were 459 older adults receiving community care with a mean age of 80.3 years (SD 7.4), and 68.6% were female. Prevalence of chronic oedema was 38.1% (n=175) and 85.4% (n=147) had bilateral oedema. An increased risk of oedema was associated with having chronic heart failure (OR:3.73, CI 2.41, 5.79) and using a mobility aid (OR: 2.38, CI 1.51, 3.75).
Conclusion Older people are at risk of chronic oedema and early detection may prevent complications. Non-health professionals can perform screening, boosting workforce capacity.
Keywords
ageing population, oedema, edema, heart failure, lymphedema, lymphoedema
Date
2025
Type
Journal article
Journal
Wound Practice & Research
Book
Volume
33
Issue
1
Page Range
32-38
Article Number
ACU Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Allied Health
School of Allied Health
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Open access
License
CC BY-NC 3.0
File Access
Open
Notes
Diamond open access.
Copyright © Cambridge Media 2025. Published open access under Creative Commons BY-NC 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0).