The Quality of Life in pateints living with chronic osteomyelitis in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Chronic osteomyelitis (COM) is a debilitating inflammatory condition of the bone and bone marrow. While its clinical and surgical management is well documented, little is known about the impact it has on the quality of life (QOL) in the South African context. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of life of patients living with chronic osteomyelitis to those who are not affected by the disease using the Medical Outcomes Study 36 – Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Our results show that patients with COM experience significantly poorer physical functioning and psychological well-being equating to a reduced quality of life. This suggests a considerable amount of physical and psychosocial burden associated with the disease. Non-smokers with COM reported better QOL in the vitality and mental health domains. Further studies are required incorporating larger multi-centred designs with appropriate data collection instruments tailored specific to the local population. This will enable a more comprehensive analysis to strengthen healthcare and support services to manage this complex condition.