Clinical, epidemiological, nutritional and mental health characteristics of patients with chronic wounds

Objective Identify the sociodemographic, clinical, nutritional and mental health profile of patients with chronic wounds treated at a specialized outpatient clinic in a border region. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive design epidemiological study with quantitative approach Data collection was carried out between June and October 2023. Variables associated with the clinical characteristics of wound healing, were assessed using the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing Tool; also, variables associated with sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, anthropometric and food intake data were used; and, in order to assess the emotional state, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress – the Short Form scale was used. The data were tabulated and reviewed using descriptive and inferential statistics. And the association between variables was assessed using statistical tests, considering the significance level α<0.05. Results There was a significant prevalence of chronic wounds among a predominantly elderly, female population with a low educational level. The majority of participants faced different health challenges, including chronic conditions, as well as difficulties with adequate nutritional management and regular physical activity. Psychological aspects were also highlighted, with a significant portion of the sample components showing symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Statistical analysis revealed important associations between the above symptoms and variables such as marital status, ambulation, alcoholic beverages intake and use of nutritional supplements, highlighting the complexity of the interactions between clinical conditions, lifestyle and mental health of individuals with chronic wounds. Conclusion It is concluded that continued clinical monitoring and research is essential to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of this population.