Relationships between preventive activities, psychosocial factors and recurrence of venous leg ulcers : a prospective study


Autoria(s): Finlayson, Kathleen J.; Edwards, Helen E.; Courtney, Mary D.
Data(s)

01/10/2011

Resumo

Aim To identify relationships between preventive activities, psychosocial factors and leg ulcer recurrence in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. Background Chronic venous leg ulcers are slow to heal and frequently recur, resulting in years of suffering and intensive use of health care resources. Methods A prospective longitudinal study was undertaken with a sample of 80 patients with a venous leg ulcer recruited when their ulcer healed. Data were collected from 2006–2009 from medical records on demographics, medical history and ulcer history; and from self-report questionnaires on physical activity, nutrition, preventive activities and psychosocial measures. Follow-up data were collected via questionnaires every three months for 12 months after healing. Median time to recurrence was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to adjust for potential confounders and determine effects of preventive strategies and psychosocial factors on recurrence. Results: There were 35 recurrences in a sample of 80 participants. Median time to recurrence was 27 weeks. After adjustment for potential confounders, a Cox proportional hazards regression model found that at least an hour/day of leg elevation, six or more days/week in Class 2 (20–25mmHg) or 3 (30–40mmHg) compression hosiery, higher social support scale scores and higher General Self-Efficacy scores remained significantly associated (p<0.05) with a lower risk of recurrence, while male gender and a history of DVT remained significant risk factors for recurrence. Conclusion Results indicate that leg elevation, compression hosiery, high levels of self-efficacy and strong social support will help prevent recurrence.

Formato

application/pdf

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/41878/

Publicador

Blackwell Publishing

Relação

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/41878/2/41878.pdf

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05653.x

Finlayson, Kathleen J., Edwards, Helen E., & Courtney, Mary D. (2011) Relationships between preventive activities, psychosocial factors and recurrence of venous leg ulcers : a prospective study. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 67(10), pp. 2180-2190.

Direitos

Copyright 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Fonte

Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; School of Nursing

Palavras-Chave #111000 NURSING #venous leg ulcers #recurrence #prevention #chronic disease
Tipo

Journal Article