Quality of life in people with chronic wounds

Introduction: Chronic wounds were identified as lesions that are difficult to heal, lasting more than three months. These affected not only the patient's physical condition but also their emotional, social, and economic well-being. Their presence was recognized as significantly impairing health-related quality of life (HRQoL), altering daily functions, autonomy, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, selecting articles published between 2015 and 2020 in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Databases such as Scielo, ProQuest, Springer, and Visibility Virtual en Salud were used. Fifteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were included, excluding those without access to full text or published outside the time range. Results: The studies reviewed showed that the most affected dimensions of HRQoL were physical, psychological, social, emotional, family, economic, and spiritual. The most frequent symptom was pain, followed by bad odor, profuse exudate, infection, inflammation, and other signs such as intermittent claudication, pruritus, and heaviness in the lower limbs. The most common sociodemographic data included a mean age of 61 years, a predominance of females (51%), low educational and socioeconomic levels, and high unemployment rates. Eleven point eight percent were not affiliated with EAPB, and only 7% reported resources for wound care. Conclusions: It was concluded that chronic wounds negatively impacted multiple dimensions of quality of life. In addition, a vulnerable sociodemographic profile was identified, highlighting the need for comprehensive and interdisciplinary strategies to improve the care and well-being of this population.