A Repeat Validated Population Questionnaire of a Defined Swedish Population Verifies Reduction in Leg Ulcer Prevalence Over Time.

This study was performed to measure if the introduced interventions in leg ulcer care in a selected Swedish county yield a detectable reduction in leg ulcer prevalence in the population. A validated postal questionnaire sent to 10,000 (9,868) randomly selected 30-89 year olds in the Skaraborg county (255,042 inhabitants). All positive responders were telephone interviewed and verified ulcer patients were clinically examined including assessment of arterial/venous circulation with hand-held Doppler and, where indicated, duplex ultrasound scanning. All results were compared with numbers from 1990 (initial study). The response rate was 82% (8,070/9,868), 200 active ulcers and 290 previous ulcers. The calculated prevalence was 0.75% for 30-89 years and 1.05% for 50-89 years (2.1% in 1990). The leg ulcer prevalence was reduced by 32% (0.52% compared to 0.77% in 1990), and the relative risk was reduced by 50% (95%, CI 0.36-0.69). The study shows a true reduction in leg ulcer prevalence detectable in the population supporting a successful care of leg ulcer patients.