Aspectos socioeconômicos de portadores de úlceras crônicas de membros inferiores

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The chronic lower limb ulcers have a significant impact on life quality, productivity and health budget. Venous disease, its main cause, affects 5% to 8% of the world population, with an increasing incidence due to the boost on life expectancy and risk factors for atherosclerotic disease. Regardless, they are often neglected and inadequately addressed, and their properties can be influenced by social determinants of health. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the socioeconomic aspects of patients with chronic ulcers in lower limbs. METHODS Cross-sectional study, developed in the city of Aracaju-SE during the year 2016, whose target population were patients assisted by the Family Health Program (PSF) with chronic lower limb ulcers. After screening of patients in the community, a population survey was conducted evaluating the epidemiological, clinical and socioeconomic profile. Included in the study were those over 18 years of age, residents of the county assessed and who had a lower limb ulcer that had been open for more than four weeks, without restriction regarding sex or age. RESULTS A total of 107 patients, with an average age of 64 ± 14 years, predominantly male (60%), brown (46.7%), primary education (57%) and married (30.84%) were selected. The medium duration of the ulcer was 9.4 ± 10.6 years, with recurrence in 46.7% of the patients. Main etiology was chronic venous insufficiency (75.7%), followed by diabetes mellitus (14.9%). The most used treatment was topical dressing (84.11%), with essential fatty acid ointment and collagenase, followed by previous vascular surgery (46.7%). The main risk factors were: varicose veins (70%), systemic arterial hypertension (57%) and diabetes mellitus (43%). NOst ofthe selescted individuals had no labor activity (41.12% retired and 15% unemployed), only 14.95% were doing paid work asautonomous (12.15%) or employees (2.8%). The Government assists 56.07% of the patients in the complementation of income.