Women's health study (WENDY) - a protocol of a population-based study assessing gynecological and metabolic health in women in their mid-30s.

The Women's Health Study (WENDY) was conducted to improve insights into women's health and health burden. It provides a unique, comprehensive data source that can be broadly utilised to understand gynaecological symptoms, diseases, and their relation to metabolic and overall health more deeply in a population-based setting. The study was conducted in Finland from May 2020 to October 2022. It included 1,918 women (33-37 years old) who were born in Northern Finland between July 1985 and December 1987. Data collection comprised one three-to-four-hour study visit that included clinical measurements, biological samples, ultrasound examinations and an extensive questionnaire on gynaecological and reproductive history, physical and mental health, quality of life, lifestyles, current life situations, health awareness and opinions. The study also included a menstrual cycle follow-up and cognitive testing up to three months via a mobile application. Given that all participants' data can be linked to all Finnish national registers, and the NFBC participants' data can be linked to the birth cohort data set collected from gestational week 24 onwards, WENDY study forms one of the largest datasets worldwide to investigate gynecological and metabolic health burden in women.

Association of Rosacea with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A General Population Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between rosacea and psychiatric comorbidity has been reported previously. However, there is a lack of general population studies about this subject area. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to the association between rosacea with depressive and anxiety symptoms at the population level. METHODS: A clinical whole-body examination was performed by dermatologists for 1,932 subjects belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study during the 46-year follow-up survey. The presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was gathered by using validated Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) included in the self-administered questionnaires. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between rosacea and psychological symptoms. RESULTS: Rosacea was found in dermatological evaluation in 15.1% of the study subjects (n = 292). In logistic regression analyses, after adjusting for confounding factors, those with rosacea had 1.6-fold (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.02-2.32) risk for psychiatric symptoms according to HSCL-25 when compared with controls. In separate analyses of the HSCL-25 depression subscale, the risk was increased, especially for depressive symptoms (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.10-2.18). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with rosacea seem to have increased risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms in general population. Physicians treating patients with rosacea should pay more attention to the psychosocial health of patients.

Adult Acne in Middle-age: Effects on Mental Health in General Population of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

The impact of adult acne on patients' mental health has not been widely studied, and most studies have been conducted within specific patient populations. The current study examines the association between adult acne and psychological symptoms in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) (n = 1,907). The cohort members attended a health study at the age of 46 years, which comprised a whole-body examination performed by dermatologists to identify acne, and answering the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and 15-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life (15D HRQoL) questionnaires. The prevalence of adult acne was 7.9% (n = 150) with no statistical differences between the sexes. Cases with acne presented more (18.9%) depressive symptoms (BDI-II > 14 points) compared with those without acne (9.7%) (p < 0.001). In adjusted logistic regression analyses, those with acne had a 2-fold risk (odds ratio (OR) 2.08, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.23-3.38) of having depressive symptoms compared with controls. In conclusion, when treating adult acne patients, it is important to recognize the increased risk of mental health symptoms.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study: A Cross-sectional Study of 2,775 Subjects.

A negative stigmatization related to hidradenitis suppurativa may prevent patients from seeking care. Thus, a large proportion of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa may be missing from studies based on hospital data. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of hidradenitis suppurativa among 2,775 subjects in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study (NFBC1986), who were in their mid-thirties. The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa was 4.0% (n = 110/2,775), being higher in females (4.8%) than in males (2.5%) (p < 0.01). Of those defined as having hidradenitis suppurativa in this study, only 4 cases (n = 4/110, 3.6%) were found to have a hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis either in the hospital (Care Register for Health Care) or in the primary healthcare data. In an adjusted model in logistic regression analyses, hidradenitis suppurativa was significantly associated with obesity (body mass index 30-55 kg/m2) (odds ratio 3.81, 95% confidence interval 2.80-5.22), female sex (1.99, 1.53-2.61) and smoking (1.56, 1.21-2.00). In addition, there was an association between hidradenitis suppurativa and self-reported poor overall health status. Hidradenitis suppurativa seems to be common at the population level and only a minority of these patients seek care for the condition.

Incidence of allergic contact dermatitis in Finland 1998-2021: A nationwide registry-based study.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) may be chronic and can cause distress, disability, and absence from work. Nationwide epidemiological studies of ACD are sparse. OBJECTIVES: To use national registry data to study the incidence and aetiology of ACD in the working age population of Finland. METHODS: Patient records from the years 1998-2021 were obtained from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care. Study subjects aged 18-65 years were selected on the basis of a diagnosis of ACD. RESULTS: Total number of study subjects was 26 701. The incidence of ACD increased until 2016 after which it started to decrease. The increase was more marked in females and ACD was particularly common in women reporting reactions to cosmetics and other chemical products and in people of both sexes reacting to adhesives. The incidence 'ACD of unspecific cause' has decreased since 2016. The most commonly reported allergens were metals, followed by cosmetics. One fourth of subjects had ≥2 ACD diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ACD in working age subjects rose from 1998 to 2016, especially in females. However, the incidence has been decreasing since 2016. Our findings highlight the ongoing and even increasing burden of ACD among the working age population.

Association between Pruritus and Psychosocial Well-being: A Population-based Study among 6,809 Subjects.

Pruritus has an extensive impact on functional, social and psychosocial behaviour. The association between pruritus and psychological well-being has mostly been studied among selected patient groups, whereas population-based studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the association between pruritus and insomnia, quality of life, depression and anxiety at the population level in the general population. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in 2012 to 2013. Study subjects (n = 6,809) belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study participated in a large follow-up study at the age of 45-47 years. They completed an extensive health questionnaire including questions on pruritus and several previously validated questionnaires regarding symptoms of psychosocial well-being. Pruritus affected 19.9% of the study subjects weekly, being more common in women than in men (p < 0.001). A significant association was found between both localized and generalized pruritus and symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety and decreased quality of life. The association was seen even in those with mild psychological symptoms/insomnia, and it affected both sexes. The severity of psychological symptoms increased with increasing frequency of pruritus. In conclusion, pruritus has a multiple effect on psychosocial well-being. Physicians should consider possible psychosocial symptoms in patients with pruritus.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Profile of Subjects with Acne in a Cohort of Middle-aged Patients: A General Population Study of 1,932 Subjects.

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, but there are few studies of adult acne and its association with general health. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of adult acne at the population level among 1,932 subjects belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study. In addition, cardiovascular and metabolic profiles of acne cases and their controls were analysed. The prevalence of adult acne was 7.9% (n = 150) with no statistical difference between the sexes. The majority of subjects presented with papulopustular acne (77.1%). Comedo acne (10.8% of all subjects) was more common in females than in males (p < 0.005). Males with acne had more abnormality in their metabolic factors than did acne-free controls; plasma glucose and insulin levels at 60 min after the 75 g glucose load were higher in males with acne than in controls (p < 0.01 for both). Corresponding associations were not seen in females. In conclusion, adult acne is common in middle-age, presenting a slightly different clinical picture in females than in males. In addition, male subjects with acne may have a higher risk of metabolic disturbances than do controls, and thus, comprehensive evaluation of patients with adult acne is needed.

Comorbidities and Medication Use in Finnish Patients with Psoriasis: A Population-Based Registry Study.

Therapeutic options for psoriasis vulgaris have changed during recent decades with the introduction of biologics. Few nationwide studies are available on psoriasis treatment patterns, and those from Finland predate the use of biologics. The aim of this retrospective, population-based registry study was to identify patients with psoriasis vulgaris and their treatment patterns in the secondary care setting in Finland. The study cohort included 41,456 adults with a diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris in the public secondary healthcare setting from 2012 through 2018. Data on comorbidities, pharmacotherapy, and phototherapy were collected from nationwide healthcare and drug registries. Patients in the cohort had a wide range of comorbidities, with 14.9% having psoriatic arthritis. Treatment was based largely on topical and conventional systemic medications. Conventional medications were used by 28.9% of patients, and methotrexate was the most common option (20.9%). Biologics were used by 7.3% of patients, mostly as second- and third-line treatment. The use of conventional systemic medications, topical treatments, and phototherapy decreased after the initiation of biologics. This study of psoriasis vulgaris in Finland provides a framework for the development of future care practices.

Serum reactivity in dermatitis herpetiformis: an international multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a rare gluten-induced skin disorder characterized predominantly by IgA autoantibodies against endomysium, tissue transglutaminase (TG2/tTG), epidermal transglutaminase (TG3/eTG) and deamidated gliadin. To date, circulating autoantibody reactivity has not been systematically described. OBJECTIVES: Characterization of serum reactivities in DH. METHODS: This multicentre international study analysed sera from 242 patients with DH taken at the time of initial diagnosis. DH-specific IgA and IgG serum autoantibodies were analysed by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) on monkey oesophagus, and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on recombinant TG2/tTG, TG3/eTG and deamidated gliadin (GAF3X). RESULTS: IgA indirect IF microscopy on monkey oesophagus revealed the highest reactivity (84.3%; specificity 100%) followed by IgA TG2/tTG ELISA (78.5%, specificity 99.0%), IgA TG3/eTG ELISA (72.7%, specificity 95.0%) and IgA GAF3X ELISA (69.0%, specificity 98.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IgA and IgG autoantibodies against endomysium, TG2/tTG, TG3/eTG and deamidated gliadin are highly prevalent in DH. Indirect IF microscopy on monkey oesophagus (IgA) provides the highest diagnostic accuracy that can be further enhanced by 4.5% when combined with IgA TG2/tTG ELISA.

Anxiety and depression in patients with hand eczema: A population-based study among 853 middle-aged subjects.

BACKGROUND: Hand eczema (HE) is a common dermatological disorder with considerable effect on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The data on mental comorbidities of HE is sparse and mostly studied among selected patient groups. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with HE in general population. METHODS: Study subjects (n = 6695) belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study (NFBC1966) responded to an extensive health questionnaire including questions about HE. Depression and anxiety symptoms were evaluated according to the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). RESULTS: Having ever suffered from HE was reported by 853 (12.8%) study subjects. Symptoms scores of depression were significantly higher among (n = 172, 20.3%) HE subjects compared with (n = 884, 15.4%) subjects without HE (Odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-1.68, P < 0.001). Correspondingly, symptoms scores of anxiety were also more common among (n = 90, 10.6%) HE subjects than among (n = 448, 7.8%) subjects without HE (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.10-1.78, P = 0.007). In an adjusted model, the associations remained statistically significant (OR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.08-1.57, P = 0.007 and OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04-1.72, P = 0.021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms associated with mental health should be taken into account when managing patients with HE.

Uniting biobank resources reveals novel genetic pathways modulating susceptibility for atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with high heritability. Previous genome-wide association studies have identified several loci predisposing to AD. These findings explain approximately 30% of the variance in AD susceptibility, suggesting that further work is required to fully understand the genetic underpinnings. OBJECTIVE: We sought to gain additional understanding of the genetic contribution to AD risk by using biobank resources. METHODS: We completed a genome-wide meta-analysis of AD in 796,661 individuals (Ncases = 22,474) from the FinnGen study, the Estonian Biobank, and the UK Biobank. We further performed downstream in silico analyses to characterize the risk variants at the novel loci. RESULTS: We report 30 loci associating with AD (P < 5 × 10-8), 5 of which are novel. In 2 of the novel loci, we identified missense mutations with deleterious predictions in desmocollin 1 and serpin family B member 7, genes encoding proteins crucial to epidermal strength and integrity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings elucidate novel genetic pathways involved in AD pathophysiology. The likely involvement of desmocollin 1 and serpin family B member 7 in AD pathogenesis may offer opportunities for the development of novel treatment strategies for AD in the future.

Association between bleeding periodontal pockets and eczemas: Results of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

AIM: To investigate whether the periodontal condition as measured by bleeding periodontal pockets is associated with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema nummulare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population (n = 1871) was obtained from the 46-year follow-up study of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study (NFBC1966). The periodontal condition was measured by the number of sites with bleeding periodontal pockets that were ≥4 mm deep. The whole skin of the participants was clinically examined, and diagnoses of skin diseases were made according to the International Classification of Diseases. Prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression models with robust error variance. RESULTS: In this cohort, comprising 46-year-old participants of NFBC1966, the presence of 1-3 and ≥4 bleeding-deepened periodontal pockets (≥4 mm deep) were associated with seborrheic dermatitis (PRR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.8 and PRR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4-3.3, respectively) and with eczema nummulare (PRR 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.1 and PRR 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.3, respectively). For non-smokers, the corresponding estimates were 1.7 for seborrheic dermatitis (95% CI: 1.1-2.6) and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1-3.1) and 1.4 for eczema nummulare (95% CI: 0.7-2.9) and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.5-2.9), respectively. No association was found between bleeding-deepened periodontal pockets and atopic dermatitis. Further adjustments for C-reactive protein, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases did not essentially change the risk estimates among either the total population or the non-smokers. CONCLUSION: Bleeding periodontal pockets appeared to be associated with the presence of seborrheic dermatitis and eczema nummulare.

Ocular Symptoms and Rosacea: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of ocular rosacea are often non-specific and there is no dependable diagnostic test for the disease, which may cause difficulties in diagnostics. The aim of this study was to examine the association between clinical findings of rosacea and self-reported ocular symptoms in a general population of middle-aged subjects. METHODS: A clinical whole-body examination by a dermatologist was performed for 1,932 subjects belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study. The presence of ocular symptoms was self-reported. The difference between rosacea and ocular symptoms was tested. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between rosacea and ocular symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of rosacea was 15.1% (n = 292); in the subjects with rosacea, erythematoteleangiectatic rosacea was found in 83.2% (n = 242), papulopustular in 15.4% (n = 45), ocular in 0.03% (n = 1), and phymatic in 0.1% (n = 3). Ocular symptoms in rosacea subjects were common, with dryness (32.3%), tearing (29.4%), foreign-body sensation (21.8%), and photophobia (20.5%) being the most common ones. Foreign-body sensation was reported significantly more often in those with rosacea compared to those without (p < 0.04). In logistic regression analyses, after adjusting, the subjects with rosacea had a 1.5-fold increased risk for decreased visual acuity in the dark (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01-2.14) compared to those without rosacea. CONCLUSION: Eye symptoms are common in subjects with rosacea. All patients with rosacea should be asked about ocular symptoms and both skin and eyelids should be examined even if the cutaneous findings are mild.

Risk of Non-cutaneous Cancers in Individuals with Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Population-based Cohort Study.

Evidence of the association between a personal history of basal cell carcinoma and the risk of non-cutaneous malignancies is conflicting. The aim of this study was to retrospectively clarify the risk of non-cutaneous cancers in individuals with basal cell carcinoma using nationwide Finnish registry data for 96,304 patients and 394,503 randomly selected population controls. In this study, individuals with basal cell carcinoma have an increased risk of other cancers (odds ratio (OR) 1.38; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.36-1.40). The risk was most prominent for lip cancer (OR 5.29; 95% CI 4.50-6.21), mycosis fungoides (OR 3.13; 95% CI 2.31-4.23) and soft tissue cancers (OR 2.77; 95% CI 2.43-3.16). In age-adjusted model, men had higher risk of cancers overall compared with women (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study found increased overall cancer risk among patients with basal cell carcinoma compared with randomly selected population controls.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Northern Finland in 2019 to 2022.

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic led to major restrictions in daily life and social contacts in Finland in March 2020. The effect of these restrictions on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence and positive rates of sexually transmitted infections in Northern Finland between 2020 and 2021 and compare these with the years prior to the pandemic. Numbers of positive Chlamydia trachomatis, HIV and hepatitis C samples were lower in 2020 to 2021 than in previous years, whereas more gonorrhoea and syphilis was found during pandemic than in previous years. The number of new cases of C. trachomatis reported each month decreased in the first months of the pandemic, but exceeded the prior pandemic-level in autumn 2020. When the mean positive sample rates were compared with the years 2015 to 2019, there was a significant decrease in positive C. trachomatis (p < 0.001) and hepatitis C (p < 0.001) sample rates in both 2020 and 2021. The positive rates for Treponema pallidum in 2020 did not differ significantly (p = 0.38) from previous years. In conclusion, these results show that sexually transmitted infections occurred despite recommendations for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, easy access to STI testing should always be available, even during exceptional circumstances.

Hyperhidrosis Comorbidities and Treatments: A Register-based Study among 511 Subjects.

Hyperhidrosis is a dermatological condition that causes psychosocial impairment and has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. The epidemiology of hyperhidrosis is currently poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse comorbidities and treatments in 511 subjects with hyperhidrosis selected from the patient records of Oulu University Hospital. The mean age of patients with local hyperhidrosis was 27.9 years and the majority were female (62.7%). The most common anatomical site of symptoms in the youngest age group was the palms, whereas the axillae were a more common site in advanced age. Depression was a common comorbidity in both local (11.6%) and generalized hyperhidrosis (28.6%). Anxiety affected 12.7% of patients with generalized hyperhidrosis. In 36.8% of the patients with local hyperhidrosis there was a delay in diagnosis of more than 10 years. The most commonly used treatments included topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis and botulin toxin injections.

Guselkumab Treatment Outcomes and Persistence in a Nationwide Real-world Cohort of Patients with Plaque Psoriasis.

Guselkumab treatment outcomes and persistence were assessed in a real-world cohort of Finnish patients with difficult-to-treat plaque psoriasis over a median follow-up of 1 year. Data on 181 patients who initiated guselkumab at the 15 study centres were collected retrospectively from the patient charts. Prior exposure to biologic therapies was common, with 56% and 35% having used at least 1 and 2 biologics, respectively. Median guselkumab treatment duration was 11 months with 21 patients (12%) discontinuing treatment during follow-up. Of 85 patients with a follow-up duration of at least 1 year, 73 (86%) were still on guselkumab at 1 year. Significant improvements during follow-up were seen in the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores with 32 patients (80%) having absolute PASI ≤ 2 after a 9-14-month treatment. Guselkumab treatment was effective and treatment persistence was high in the nationwide Finnish real-life setting.

Skin cancers and their risk factors in older persons: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The number of skin cancer is increasing rapidly. However, little is known about the risk factors of skin cancer in older persons. Our objectives were to determine the risk factors for skin cancer or its precursors in an older population. More specifically, to study the association of new skin cancers with previous skin cancer, sex, age, Fitzpatrick's skin type, history of outdoor work and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study of a large, well documented historical cohort data set a total body skin examination (TBSE) was performed for 552 participants aged between 70 and 93 years by dermatologists. The information gathered was augmented with health register data and self-reported data. The associations between skin cancer and its risk factors were studied by using the logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: According to the TBSE skin cancer/precursor was present in 25.5% of participants and was more common in males than in females (34.5% vs 20.2%, p < 0.001). Previous skin cancer increased the risk of subsequent skin cancer 2.6-fold (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.43-4.55) and male sex nearly 2-fold (1.97, 95% CI 1.26-3.08). Specific risk factors for the first occurrence of skin cancer were male sex and outdoor work. There was also association between skin cancer and age and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: TBSE is recommend for physicians treating older persons to allow early recognition of skin cancers or their precursors. Older males need particularly close attention.

Risk factors of hand eczema: A population-based study among 900 subjects.

BACKGROUND: Many risk factors such as atopic dermatitis (AD) have shown to associate with hand eczema (HE). However, studies concerning other atopic diseases, parental or longitudinal risk factors of HE are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between HE and atopic diseases, parental factors, environmental factors (keeping animals, exposure to moulds) and lifestyle factors (obesity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity) at population level. METHODS: Subjects belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study (NFBC1966) (n = 6830) answered a comprehensive health questionnaire. The data was completed with parental information. RESULTS: HE was reported in 900 (13.3%) individuals. All atopic diseases, parental allergy, female gender and obesity increased the risk of HE whereas physical activity decreased the risk of HE. A statistically significant association was not found between HE and tobacco smoking or alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: All atopic diseases, not only AD, seem to have influence on the presence of HE. In addition, parental and environmental factors associated with HE.

The association between chronic venous disease and measures of physical performance in older people: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Muscle pump dysfunction is an essential component of chronic venous disease (CVD) pathology. Aging reduces muscle strength which further weakens the venous return. However, the epidemiology of CVD and its relationship with the physical performance in older persons is poorly studied. We studied the prevalence of CVD in subjects aged over 70 years and its association primarily with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 10 m walk test. METHODS: An accurate clinical leg examination was performed and the Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological-classification (CEAP, clinical classification of chronic venous disorders, C1-C6) determined by dermatologists in 552 subjects aged between 70 and 93 years belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 - Parents' Study (NFBC-PS). Linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between CVD and functional tests and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: The prevalence of CVD (C1-C6) was 54.3%. C1 was diagnosed in 22.1% (n=84), C2 in 15.2% (n=45), C3 in 8.2% (n=45), C4 in 7.8% (43), C5 in 0.4% (n=2) and C6 in 0.5% (n=3). The prevalence and severity of CVD increased with increasing age (p<0.05). Males presented more with severe stages of CVD (C4-C6) (p<0.001). Subjects with CVD had significantly lower total SPPB scores and longer times in the 10 m walk test (p<0.001). The association between CVD severity and SPPB remained statistically significant in females after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and number of children. The 10 m walk test times were associated with CVD when adjusted for sex and age but not after adjusting for BMI. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that detailed skin examination of legs should be performed by physicians treating older subjects in order to improve early diagnosis of CVD. We highlight the importance of physical activity in older persons - lower limb activation of older persons with CVD may improve venous return and therefore prevent progression of CVD. We found an association between CVD and gait speed, however, there may exist bidirectional relationship.