Table 2.
Clinical characteristics of patients with lymphoedema participating in the study (N=251)
| Variables | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of case with lymphoedema, n (%) | |
| Lymphatic filariasis/podoconiosis | 246 (98.0) |
| Leprosy | 5 (2.0) |
| Has your leg ever suddenly become hot, red and painful? (i.e. an acute attack), n (%) | |
| Yes | 235 (93.6) |
| No | 16 (6.4) |
| How often does your leg become hot, red and painful? (i.e. acute attack), n (%) (N=235) | |
| Every week | 62 (26.4) |
| Every 2 weeks | 58 (24.7) |
| Every month | 48 (20.4) |
| Every 3 months | 31 (13.2) |
| Every 6 months | 19 (8.1) |
| Every year | 11 (4.7) |
| ≥1 y | 6 (2.6) |
| Number of acute episodes in the month prior to the survey, mean±SD (range) | 2.4 ± 2.6 (0–20) |
| Have you ever received treatment for your leg lymphoedema?, n (%) | |
| Yes | 39 (15.5) |
| No | 212 (84.5) |
| Are you currently receiving treatment for, or self-treating your leg(s)?, n (%) | |
| Yes | 21 (8.4) |
| No | 230 (91.6) |
| Where did you receive/are you receiving treatment?, n (%) (N=39) | |
| Government clinic | 27 (69.2) |
| Non-government clinic | 6 (15.4) |
| Self-treatment | 4 (10.3) |
| Traditional healer | 1 (2.6) |
| Other | 1 (2.6) |
Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.