Quality of life of patients with chronic venous ulcers and socio-demographic factors.

UNLABELLED  The aim of this study was to measure the quality of life of patients with venous ulcers and to identify associated socio-demographic factors. METHODS Thirty patients in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Outpatients Clinic of Hospital of Faculty of Medicine in São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP), São Paulo, Brazil, participated in the investigation. Twenty-one (70%) were women and 9 (30%) were men, with ages ranging between 46 years and 72 years (mean of 56.5 years). After patients gave consent, socio-demographic data were collected and the SF-36 questionnaire was applied. The Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's coefficient were employed in the statistical analysis. RESULTS The disease and the evaluated socio-demographic factors affected the quality of life of these patients. The functional capacity, pain, vitality, and physical and social aspects are better for married men compared to single or separated men. The social aspect is also better for active individuals. CONCLUSION Quality of life is affected in patients with venous ulcers. Socio-demographic aspects, such as gender, marital status, and occupation may influence quality of life. .