Foot health-related quality of life among elderly with and without lesser toe deformities: a case–control study

Abstract

[Abstract] Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life impact related to foot health and health in general in older adults with lesser toe deformities (LTD) and without any foot conditions. Methods: A case–control observational study was carried out following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology criteria. A total of 100 older adults with a mean age of 74.39±6.02 years were recruited at an outpatient clinic; 50 of these subjects had LTD (case group) and 50 subjects were without any foot conditions (control group). Presence of LTD was determined in both feet using the Kelikian push-up test, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire scores were self-reported. Results: The case group showed lower scores in quality of life in relation to health in general and to foot health specifically. Statistically significant differences (p,0.05) between case and control groups were shown by means of the Wicoxon test. Conclusion: A negative impact in quality of life in relation to foot health should be considered in older adults with LTD, regardless of gender.