Quality of life of adults with venous leg ulcers

Abstract

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) refers to the impact of disease and treatment on disability and daily living. Living with a venous leg ulcer (VLU) has a negative impact on HRQoL. The aim of the present study was to investigate the aspects of HRQoL affected by VLUs in a local SA sample. A post hoc research design was utilised comparing 30 VLU patients and 30 non-VLU participants. Four hypotheses were investigated: (1) the experience of having a VLU on HRQoL, (2) the relation between gender and HRQoL of VLU patients, (3) the relation between age and HRQoL of VLU patients and (4) the interrelation between the underlying constructs of HRQoL of VLU patients. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic variables and HRQoL using the SF-36 questionnaire. Interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data to complete the investigation. Correlation analysis and t-tests confirmed that having a VLU negatively affected HRQoL and that interrelations existed among the constructs of HRQoL. There were no significant relations between gender, age and HRQoL of VLU patients. In line with the social constructivist approach, social support and restructuring a sense of meaning in life to increase HRQoL, are important goals in the management of VLUs.