Prevalence of Chronic Illness and Risk Factors for Chronic Illness Among Patients With Venous Leg Ulceration: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic illness and risk factors for chronic illness are rising public health concerns for individuals and health care systems. Individuals with venous leg ulceration (VLU) have at least one chronic illness. As there is a projected increase in VLU prevalence there is a need to determine concurrent prevalence of risk factors for chronic illness among this population. Methods. A cross-sectional design conducted in 8 community, nurse-led, leg ulcer clinics. Results. Fifty patients (58%, n = 29 females) were enrolled. Seventy percent were >65 years old; 90% had at least one chronic illness; 60% had hypertension; 30% had atrial fibrillation; 18% had diabetes; 18% heart failure; and 28.6% musculoskeletal conditions. All had at least one risk factors for chronic illness (mean = 2.26), the most frequent being overweight (30%), obesity (30%), high cholesterol (22.2%), and restricted physical activity (22%). Participants took a mean 5.2 medications daily and 26% were on current oral antibiotics. Conclusions. Comprehensive, holistic assessment and regular reassessment with a preventative focus needs to consider chronic illness and risk factors for chronic illness. Patients with VLU are in frequent contact with their multidisciplinary team. This is an opportunity to improve care and make every encounter count.