Cold Hands, Warm Heart: Quality of Life, Wellbeing, and Mental Health in Raynaud’s Disease – An International Survey Study
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Objectives
The study assessed the quality of life, wellbeing, and mental health of people living with Raynaud’s disease (RD). It employed an RD-specific measure for quality of life, used a large international sample, and included meteorological variables in the analyses. It also compared outcomes between primary and secondary RD and people without an RD diagnosis.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used. Participants (n = 720) completed a demographics questionnaire, The Raynaud-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), WHO-5 Wellbeing Index and DASS-21. Meteorological variables were recorded based on the participants’ location.
Results
Participants with secondary RD reported lower quality of life and wellbeing, and higher anxiety, depression, and pain, than participants with primary RD or without a diagnosis. Participants without a diagnosis reported worse mental health than groups with a diagnosis. Participants in tropical climates reported the lowest quality of life, and those in temperate climates had the lowest wellbeing. Pain and symptom severity were the strongest predictors of quality of life (accounting for 30% of the variance), while meteorological variables accounted for up to 2% of the variance.
Conclusion
RD negatively affects quality of life, wellbeing, and mental health, particularly for people living with secondary RD. Pain and symptom severity are key determinants. Meteorological factors contribute minimally. Tailored interventions focusing on symptoms management should be prioritised. Meteorological influences should be considered in healthcare planning alongside clinical and psychosocial factors.
Key messages
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Pain and symptom severity strongly predict quality of life in Raynaud’s disease
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Individuals without a diagnosis report worse mental health than individuals with a diagnosis
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Warmer climates do not necessarily protect against reduced qualify of life in Raynaud’s disease
