Health-related quality of life at healing in individuals with chronic venous or mixed-venous leg ulceration: a longitudinal assessment.

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 TM) 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.