Qualidade de vida e úlcera de perna pelo EQ5D

Abstract

Background: Chronic ulcer of lower limbs (CULL) is a serious public health problem. Studies of quality of life (QOL) has increasingly shown its importance to assess the effect of health actions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with QOL in patients with CULL. Methods: 54 patients were interviewed in outpatient care at an University Hospital in Brazil in relation to socioeconomic, demographic and clinical. QOL was measured indirectly by the EQ5D. The comparison between means was performed with t-Student's test and the Pearson correlation test. Results: We found no association between sociodemographic factors and QOL. The health status showed moderate correlation with QOL (Pearson = 0.445), whereas age, BMI, duration of ulcer disease duration showed a weak correlation. It was observed that the factors associated with QOL are pain in the ulcer (p = 0.003), calf pain (p = 0.009), and presence of secretion (p = 0.040). Conclusions: Adequate pain control and reduction of the exudate production can provide better quality of life for patients with ulcer.