ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors influencing quality of life in patients with chronic wounds.
METHODS: A total of 138 patients with chronic wounds were included and completed the Chinese version of the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire after researchers assessed their wound severity.
RESULTS: The mean scores of physical symptoms and everyday living, social life, and well-being on the Chinese version of the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule were 55.65 +/- 15.82, 52.69 +/- 16.46, and 40.75 +/- 13.82, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that depression, coping style, and education level were the primary factors, explaining 51.7% of the variance in physical symptoms and everyday living. Depression and coping style explained 49.6% of the variance in social life. Anxiety and primary disease explained 36.2% of the variance in well-being.
CONCLUSIONS: The factors influencing quality of life for these Chinese patients with chronic wounds included education level, primary disease, anxiety, depression, and coping style. Speaking with patients about living with a chronic wound and their potential for healing, understanding their fears about significant changes to their life, and encouraging them to accept such changes can be important for patients and their recovery.