# Factors Associated With Quality of Life in Patients With Venous Leg Ulcers in a Community Setting: A Cross‐Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study identifies factors like pain, stress, and smoking that significantly affect the quality of life for people with venous leg ulcers.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into specific predictors of quality of life in venous leg ulcer patients using disease-specific measures.

## Key findings

- Ulcer pain, perceived stress, and current tobacco use were the strongest predictors of reduced quality of life.
- Middle-aged individuals and those with atherosclerosis or heart failure had worse quality of life outcomes.
- Current clinical guidelines do not adequately address psychosocial factors affecting venous leg ulcer patients.

## Abstract

Quality of life is a well‐established determinant of physical and mental health outcomes in the general population. However, limited research has specifically examined factors influencing quality of life in individuals with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) using disease‐specific measures. This study aimed to identify the key determinants of quality of life in individuals with VLUs and to examine the most salient predictors within this population.

A cross‐sectional, correlational study was conducted between 2019 and 2024 at a clinical research center affiliated with a major university medical center in the USA. A total of 93 community‐dwelling, middle‐aged and older adults with VLUs participated in the study. Disease‐specific quality of life was measured using the VEINES‐QOL/Sym questionnaire. A multiple linear regression was used to identify the potential predictors of the VEINES QOL/Sym.

Several factors emerged as significant predictors of reduced quality of life. Participants who were middle‐aged, had comorbid atherosclerosis or heart failure, were current smokers, or reported greater ulcer pain, perceived stress, or venous disease severity were more likely to experience diminished quality of life. Among these, ulcer pain, perceived stress, and current tobacco use were strongest predictors, with ulcer pain identified as the most powerful determinant of both impaired quality of life and increased symptom severity.

These findings highlight the complex interaction of physical, psychological, and behavioral factors, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to better manage pain, stress, and tobacco use. Despite the significant psychosocial impact of VLUs, current clinical guidelines do not adequately address these factors, suggesting a need for revisions to improve patient‐centered care. Interventions targeting these modifiable factors are warranted to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.