OBJECTIVES:
to compare the quality of life of patients with chronic venous disease with and without ulcer and to identify the most affected aspects.
METHOD:
cross-sectional study with a sample of 204 patients with chronic venous disease. The quality of life was assessed with the help of the SF-36 questionnaire. To compare the scores between the groups, the Mann-Whitney test was used, considering a statistically significant difference when p<0.05.
RESULTS:
the quality of life score of patients with ulcer was lower when compared to that of patients without ulcer, in all domains and dimensions of the SF-36, particularly in the domains physical aspect and functional capacity, with very low scores.
CONCLUSION:
all aspects of quality of life were more compromised in people with ulcers. These findings can contribute towards a better understanding of the effects of chronic venous disease on the quality of life and towards a better orientation of therapeutic interventions in this population.
Quality of Life; Varicose Ulcer; Leg Ulcer; Venous Insufficiency; Nursing