Key result
AAA screening is linked to better physical and emotional quality of life, with ~80% reporting no anxiety.
Why the study?
The impact of abdominal aortic aneurysm screening on health-related quality of life, anxiety, and reasons for non-participation in 65-year-old men was not well described.
Does screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm affect health-related quality of life and anxiety in 65-year-old men?
Cross-Sectional (n=368)
Yes
Does screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm affect health-related quality of life and anxiety in 65-year-old men?
p-value: p=<0.001
Screening for AAA in 65-year-old men does not cause significant anxiety and is associated with better self-reported physical function compared to the general population.
Supports low anxiety and preserved function after AAA screening in men; leaves open prospective confirmation of benefits.
Background: The purpose of AAA screening is to prevent rupture and mortality. Screening for life-threatening diseases is a double-edged sword. The aim of this study is to describe 65-year-old men’s experiences of health related quality of life and anxiety after screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, and experiences of information and reasons for not participating. Methods: 368 men answered Short Form 36 (SF-36), and anxiety and depression scale (HAD). 72 telephone interviews were conducted with the participants and 77 with those who declined to take part in the screening programme. Results: The SF-36 domains of Physical Function and Role limitations due to emotional health problems were significantly better for men who had undergone screening compared to a matched population. Compared to non-smokers, smokers had lower values in the SF-36 domains of general health perceptions, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional health problems and mental health. 80% of patients did not experience any form of anxiety/panic in connection with the screening invitation. Of the men who did not participate, 56% stated that they would like to be screened or had already undergone the examination. Conclusion: The men who underwent the investigation were healthier in some of the SF-36 domains than the general population. The participants did not experience any great anxiety before the screening and despite the short duration of the examination.
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Pettersson et al. (2014) conducted a cross-sectional in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening (n=368). Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening vs. Age and gender-matched reference sample from the Swedish SF-36 national normative database was evaluated on Health-related quality of life (SF-36 domains of Physical Function and Role limitations due to emotional health problems) (p=<0.001). Men who underwent screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm had significantly better physical functioning and fewer role limitations due to emotional health problems compared to a matched general population, with 80% experiencing no anxiety related to the screening.
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