Influences of health care services and clinical characteristics on the quality of life of patients with venous ulcer

Objective: To assess the impact of health care services and clinical characteristics on the quality of life of patients with venous ulcer. Methods: Cross-sectional study with convenience sampling encompassing 100 patients with venous ulcer. The research was conducted using a structured form composed of sociodemographic and health variables, caregiving characteristics and venous ulcer characteristics, as well as a health-related quality of life instrument. Results: The study showed a low mean for SF-36 domains and pointed out an association between health care characteristics, and functional capacity and pain domains. Clinic characteristics of the wound were associated with the following domains: functional capacity, pain, general health status, vitality, and social aspects. Conclusion: Patients with venous ulcer present impairments in all quality of life domains. The characteristics of both the caregiving service and the wound influenced the quality of life of this group of patients, indicating that a comprehensive and high quality care may contribute towards the improvement of these patients' quality of life.