Original paper
Psychological and social problems of patients with chronic venous disease

The aim of the study was to assess psychological and social problems in patients with skin symptoms of chronic venous disease (CVD). The study was conducted in 2006 in the Chair and Clinic of Surgery, Biziel Hospital in Bydgoszcz. Fifty patients between 40 and 80 years old with skin problems associated with CVD – phase C4-C6 in CEAP classification – were included in the study. The diagnostic questionnaire method was used and a questionnaire was specifically created for the purpose of this study. Statistically significant correlations and influence of CVD on everyday duties and job performance were observed (p<0.05). Also, an influence on behaviour connected with feelings of shame associated with the disease was shown (p<0.02). Presence of chronic disease and associated skin changes had a significant influence on psychosocial functioning, and were also associated with restricted social contacts and worse social life. In spite of negative results of disease patients did not change health behaviours influencing disease progression; thus it seems to be rational to conduct education and systematic evaluation of education programmes.