Health‐related quality of life at healing in individuals with chronic venous or mixed‐venous leg ulceration: a longitudinal assessment. (15th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hopman, Wilma M.; Vandenkerkhof, Elizabeth G.; Carley, Meg E.; Harrison, Margaret B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of advanced nursing. Volume 72:Number 11(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 2869
• Page End: 2878
• Publication Date: 2016-07-15
• Subjects: chronic wounds -- community and home care -- healing -- health‐related quality of life -- HRQOL -- leg ulcers -- longitudinal -- quality of life -- SF‐12; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.13054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-2402

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To identify factors associated with longitudinal changes in health‐related quality of life in community‐dwelling individuals with venous or mixed‐venous leg ulcers. Background: Most care focuses primarily on healing; this research may additionally lead to strategies to improve quality of life. Design: Data from four studies (2000–2009) were combined (2012) to examine quality of life in community‐dwelling individuals referred for care of chronic leg wounds. Methods: Data collection occurred at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months or at healing and included a comprehensive clinical assessment and measures of pain (McGill), functional autonomy (EQ‐5D ™ ) and quality of life (SF‐12 TM ). Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores (SF‐12 TM ) were categorized by whether or not there was an improvement (≥3 points) over time. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with improvement. Results/findings: Mean age of this sample ( n = 519) was 67·5 years, 55·9% were women. Median time to healing was 70 days. Mean Physical Component Summary score increased from 37·0‐41·5; factors associated with improvement included independent mobility, family history, problems with usual activities, fewer comorbidities and higher baseline pain. Mean Mental Component Summary score improved from 50·5‐53·7; factors associated with improvement included anxiety or depression at baseline and living with others. Conclusion: Chronic leg ulceration has a substantial, negative impact on health‐related quality of life. Ascertaining characteristics associated with changes in quality of life will contribute to the development of comprehensive strategies for prevention, care and improved quality of life.