Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with varicose ulcer treated in the outpatient clinic of a university hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Varicose ulcer is a chronic open wound between the knee and ankle, of varying shape and size. Usually it does not heal before four weeks and is the most severe injury of chronic venous insufficiency. It is a continuous cycle of skin ruptures for decades, with reduced quality of life. Psychosocial effects are often overlooked. Objectives: To assess the quality of life of patients with venous ulcers (C6) according to “Clinical manifestation, Etiologic factors, Anatomic distribution of disease, Pathophysiologic findings (CEAP)”. Methods: A descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study comprising 50 patients. It was used to assess the specific questionnaire for quality of life in chronic venous ulcer, translated, adapted and validated in Portuguese from the questionnaire “Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire”. Results: Women (60%) had higher average in total score and domains. There was statistical significance (p<0.05) between aesthetic domains (p=0.0390) and emotional status (p=0.0274). In comparing the domains, social interaction and domestic activities had lower scores in both genders. The most affected area was the emotional state, for both genders. There was little difference in the average age of women and men. The most common complaints were pain, bad odor and the inability to remain standing up for long. Conclusions: Venous ulcers caused a mild to moderate impact on quality of life, especially due to low psychosocial well-being.