Aim. We investigated the distribution of cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) and examined the association between
CHHF and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Koreans. Methods. Stratifed multistage sampling was used for random
selection of 2,201 adults. HRQOL was assessed using the Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey (SF-12). Cold hypersensitivity was
measured using a new self-report questionnaire to score the extent of cold sensation in their hands, feet, and abdomen using
a 7-point scale. Te correlation between CHHF and HRQOL was analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results. Cold
hypersensitivity was present in the hands of 21.6%, the feet of 23.0%, and the abdomen in 22.5% of participants. Cold hypersensitivity
in the hands and feet was observed in 17.9%, at least one body part (hands, feet, or abdomen) in 34.2%, and all three body regions in
12.3% of participants. Te prevalence of cold hypersensitivity was signifcantly higher among women than among men, irrespective
of the involved body part. Cold hypersensitivity scores in the hands and feet correlated negatively with body mass index, but not with
age. Te physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 were both signifcantly lower
in women with than in those without CHHF. Among men, only the PCS was signifcantly lower in the CHHF group. Multiple
regression analysis, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), confrmed that CHHF had
negative efects on PCS and MCS. Conclusions. CHHF is more common in women and in individuals with a lower BMI. CHHF has
an independent negative efect on HRQOL. |
