Quality of life and self-esteem of patients with chronic ulcers

Objective: To assess the Quality of Life and the Self-Esteem of patients with chronic ulcers. Methods: Analytical and cross-sectional study. One hundred and fifty patients were assessed for six months, among them seventy-five patients with chronic ulcers. Patients over 18 years of age were included, male and female, hospitalized and assisted at outpatient care centers, with intact cognition. Results: Patients with ulcers were predominantly male (p<0.002). In both groups, the average age was 62 and the most prevalent illness was hypertension (32%). The worst Functional Capacity score was observed in the group without ulcers (p=0.003); the group with ulcers registered the worst score for the Vitality aspect (p=0.042). Conclusion: Patients with chronic ulcers had the worst Quality of Life in relation to activity, little energy and willingness to carry out the Activities of Daily Living. The ulcers, however, did not affect the self-esteem of these patients.