Predictors of Quality of Life in Healing of Venous Leg Ulcers: A Quasi-Experimental Study in a Brazilian Wound Care Center

Objectives: To compare the evolution of Quality of Life (QoL) between individuals whose Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs) healed and those whose ulcers did not heal after one year of treatment in a specialized chronic wound care center, and to identify the most impacted aspects of QoL following treatment. Method: This was a longitudinal, observational, quasi-experimental, and non-randomized study involving patients with VLUs. A convenience sample of individuals receiving care was followed for at least one year and treated with either compression therapy or conventional care. QoL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ). Study participants were categorized into a Healed Group (HG) and a Non-Healed Group (NHG). Results: A total of 103 individuals completed the study, of whom 43 (43.7%) achieved ulcer healing after one year of treatment. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that VLU healing was a significant predictor of improved outcomes, particularly in the SF-36 domains of Physical Role Functioning (R²=0.53, p<0.001, OR=1.06 [1.04–1.08]), Physical Functioning (R²=0.36, p<0.001, OR=1.06 [1.02–1.04]), Pain (R²=0.40, p<0.001, OR=1.05 [1.03–1.07]), and Emotional Role Functioning (R²=0.35, p<0.001, OR=1.02 [1.01–1.03]). In the CCVUQ assessment, healing significantly impacted all domains, with the most prominent effects observed in Domestic Activities (R²=0.67, p<0.001, OR=1.08 [1.05–1.11]) and Cosmesis (R²=0.66, p<0.001, OR=1.09 [1.05–1.12]). Conclusion: VLU healing was a strong predictor of QoL improvement, especially in physical, emotional, functional, and pain-related aspects. Using multiple QoL instruments provided a complementary perspective, enhancing the overall assessment of outcomes.