Journal of vascular nursing : official publication of the Society for Peripheral Vascular Nursing
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The aim of this study was to describe patients' experiences 5 years after being informed about having an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), at screening, in a subgroup of patients who suffered a decrease in quality of life (QoL) 12 months after screening. Of 6 patients with a decreased QoL 12 months after AAA screening, one had died, one declined to participate and one suffered cognitive problems and was therefore excluded. The remaining 3 patients (all men, aged 79-80 years) were interviewed in their homes. ⋯ Furthermore, the patients experience having an AAA to be symbolically 'like a drop in the ocean.' This means having no physical problems related to AAA, and having more difficulties with other diseases or problems in life overshadows the awareness about the AAA. An observed reduction in QoL among subjects with screening-detected AAA was mainly explained by other diseases or problems that overshadow the AAA. However, the low number of participants indicates a need for extended studies on this topic.