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Index: WOUNDS. 2012;24(10):289–292.

  Abstract: The aim of this study was to measure the quality of life of patients with venous ulcers and to identify associated socio-demographic factors. Methods. Thirty patients in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Outpatients Clinic of Hospital of Faculty of Medicine in São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP), São Paulo, Brazil, participated in the investigation. Twenty-one (70%) were women and 9 (30%) were men, with ages ranging between 46 years and 72 years (mean of 56.5 years). After patients gave consent, socio-demographic data were collected and the SF-36 questionnaire was applied. The Mann-Whitney test and Spearman’s coefficient were employed in the statistical analysis. Results. The disease and the evaluated socio-demographic factors affected the quality of life of these patients. The functional capacity, pain, vitality, and physical and social aspects are better for married men compared to single or separated men. The social aspect is also better for active individuals. Conclusion. Quality of life is affected in patients with venous ulcers. Socio-demographic aspects, such as gender, marital status, and occupation may influence quality of life.

Introduction

  The venous system is, in many respects, more complex than the arterial system. A thorough understanding of the venous anatomy, pathophysiology, and available diagnostic tests is required in the management of acute and chronic venous disorders.¹ The Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification (CEAP) is a popular descriptive platform for chronic venous disease.² Effective venous return from the lower extremities requires the interaction of the heart, a pressure gradient, the peripheral muscle pumps of the legs, and competent venous valves.^1,2 Critical assessment of venous treatment modalities requires an understanding of the objective clinical outcome and the available instruments with which to measure quality of life (QOL).²

  The principle determining factor of health-related QOL within 2 years of a diagnosis with deep vein thrombosis is the development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).⁴ Patients with venous insufficiency commonly develop complications that can result in significant morbidity and occasional mortality. Venous leg ulcers, the most prevalent type of lower extremity ulcer, are the most frequent sequelae of venous insufficiency, and negatively affect the patient’s QOL.^5-7

  Socio-demographic aspects, such as gender, marital status, religion, and occupation interfere in the QOL of patients with different diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the QOL of patients living from venous ulcers for more than 1 year.

Methods

  This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Medicine School in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.