Quality of life psychosocial characteristics in Greek patients with leg ulcers: a case control study.

Chronic leg ulcers are a public health problem that can have a significant impact on the patient's physical, socioeconomic and psychological status. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life, anxiety and depression, self-esteem and loneliness in patients suffering from leg ulcers. A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study. The quality of life, anxiety and depression, self-esteem and loneliness of the patient were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index ( DLQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS), Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale ( RSES) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale ( UCLA-Version 3), respectively. The mean DLQI score was 13·38 ± 2·59, suggesting a serious effect on the quality of life of patients. Those with leg ulcers had statistically significant higher scores according to the HADS-total scale ( P = 0·031) and HADS-anxiety subscale ( P = 0·015) compared with healthy volunteers. Moreover, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups concerning the UCLA-scale ( P = 0·029). Female patients presented with a higher score of anxiety ( P = 0·027) and social isolation ( P = 0·048), and worse quality of life ( P = 0·018) than male patients. A severe quality of life impairment was documented, reflecting a significant psychosocial impact on patients with leg ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]