Folguera-Álvarez, Carmen, Garrido-Elustondo, Sofia, Rico-Blázquez, Milagros, Verdú, José
Factors Associated With the Quality of Life of Patients With Venous Leg Ulcers in Primary Care: Cross-Sectional Study
The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds. 2022, 21(4): 521-528. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534734620967562
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10045/114985
DOI: 10.1177/1534734620967562
ISSN: 1534-7346 (Print)
Abstract: 
The presence of venous leg ulcers (VLU) is associated with emotional disorders in individuals who have conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and sleeping problems, which result in a reduced perceived quality of life by these individuals. The study aim was to describe the perceived quality of life and associated factors for individuals with VLU. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 22 primary care health centers with a sample of 93 individuals with VLU. The variables collected were the following: perceived quality of life measured with Spanish version of the Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ-e), ulcer severity measured with the RESVECH 2.0 Score, demographic variables, and those related to the healing process. The results showed a mean CCVUQ-e score of 47.4 ± 11.8 points (Mean ± SD), with the most affected dimension being the emotional status, followed by cosmesis, social interaction, and domestic activities. The mean RESVECH 2.0 score was 11.1 ± 3.7 points. An association was found between ulcer-related pain and poorer quality of life (P < .05, t test) and between erythema in perilesional skin and poorer quality life (P < .05, t test). The signs of infection and inflammation in the VLUs were as follows: increasing exudate, friable tissue, and biofilm-compatible tissue, which were associated with a poorer quality of life (P < .05, t test). The multivariate model was statistically significant and explained a variability of 26% in the CCVUQ-e score. This study confirms that wound severity, pain, and signs of infection in VLU decrease the perceived quality of life of individuals with these wounds.
Keywords:Primary care nursing, Primary health care, Quality of life, Venous ulcer
SAGE Publications
info:eu-repo/semantics/article