This study aimed to determine the health-related quality of life of persons in Jamaica living with chronic venous ulcers and the relationships between quality of life and physical and socio-demographic factors.
A non-experimental cross sectional design was used. Thirty-seven persons were recruited from the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) and one primary care clinic in Kingston, Jamaica. Quality of life was assessed with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey instrument and functional status with the Lawton Brody Extended Activities of Daily Living (EADL) Scale. Both questionnaires were interview administered. The six- minute walk test and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test assessed walking endurance and mobility, respectively. The numerical rating scale assessed pain level. Measurements of ankle range of motion and calf muscle strength were also taken. Socio-demographic and clinical data such as age, gender, employment, the size of ulcer and method of ulcer management were also collected. All measurements and interviews were done at the UHWI, the Physical Therapy Clinic at the University of the West Indies or the primary care clinic. The relationship between Mental and Physical Components of health-related quality of life and the physical and socio-demographic factors were determined using t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation co-efficient.
Sixty two percent (62%) of the sample was female and 54% was over the age of sixty years. Fifty-eight percent was unemployed. The mean (SD) wound size was 57.05 cm2 (22.77) and ankle dorsiflexion range -6.94 (26.29) degrees. The mean (SD) distance walked in six minutes was 306.14 m (105.7). The most affected domain on the SF-36 was bodily pain; 50.81(29.57) followed by physical health (57.67). The Physical Component (PC) mean score was 43.31 (7.31) while the Mental Component (MC) mean score was 45.74 (10.31).
The PC quality of life was significantly and positively related to EADL; r= 0.342, p=0.040 and distance walked in six minutes; r=0.363, p=0.27. Lower (better) scores on the TUG were significantly associated with better PC quality of life; r=0.340, p=0.040. The MC was not significantly related to any physical factors. Socio-demographic factors were not significantly related to any component of quality of life.
The health-related quality of life of persons living with venous ulcers in Jamaica, is impaired. Walking endurance, mobility and functional status influence health-related quality of life in these persons.
The management of venous ulcers should include exercise interventions to improve mobility, activities of daily living and walking endurance and thereby improve perceived quality of life.
Quality of life
Mobility
