BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Pain is a very frequent symptom in venous ulcer patients and may be persistent and/or exacerbated during dressing change. Pain affects quality of life and may negatively impact wound healing. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of pain and at evaluating major painassociated factors in venous ulcer patients.
METHODS:
This is a transversal study carried out in a Teaching Hospital of Natal, RN. Convenience sample was made up of 100 venous ulcer patients seen by the angiology ambulatory of this hospital. A structured interview form with socio-demographic and health characteristics, and assistance and injury characteristics was used, in addition to two questions about pain from the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare categorical variables. Significance level was p<0.05.
RESULTS:
Pain was referred by 86% of evaluated patients. Patients with profession/occupation, low income and who did not smoke/drank, using compressive therapy, who were oriented about using compressive therapy and leg lifting, with minor injuries, in epithelialization stage, with no odor and without signs of infection had lower pain intensity and lower impact of pain on daily life activities.
CONCLUSION:
Socio-demographic factors and aspects regarding assistance and injury have influenced venous ulcer-related pain. Interventions aiming at influencing such factors might help controlling these patients' pain.
Leg ulcer; Nursing care; Pain; Varicose ulcer