Quality of life of leg ulcer patients: questionnaire and preliminary findings

Abstract

A self-report quality of life questionnaire, was constructed for patients with leg ulcers. The content of the questionnaire was derived from patient conversations. The first version was completed by 33 patients and refined using standard psychometric procedures. The final version measured functional limitations and emotional reactions and was used to quantify quality of life deficits in a group of 50 patients. Although some functional limitations, such as pain impairing mobility or dressing management restricting holidays, were caused directly by the ulcer, many restrictions were due to patients adopting an avoidance strategy to minimise the risk of future leg ulcers. Such strategies included staying away from crowded shopping places and children. Functional limitations and emotional reactions were intercorrelated. Approximately one-third of patients in the final sample reported substantial functional limitations and negative emotions because of their ulcer. The nurses' perceptions of whether the ulcer was healing were similar to those of the patients. Self-care behaviour was unrelated to level of pain or quality of life.