Objective: Estimating the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people suffering complex wounds who were receiving care in an extramural health service provider institution in Cartagena during May-June 2010.
Materials and methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive study where the population/sample consisted of 93 adults receiving care in an extramural health service provider institution's complex wounds program in the city of Cartagena. A questionnaire regarding socio-demographic characteristics, an observational guide on the characteristics of injuries and the Multicultural Quality of Life Index were used. SPSS 12.0 software was used for the statistical analysis.
Results: Mean age was 59.3 years, females predominated (61.3%), 43.0% were married, 38.7% were housewives, 38.7% had finished primary education, 68.8% came from socioeconomic levels 2 and 3 and 93.5% of the participants had health social security affiliation. Complex wounds were characterised by a greater percentage being in the proliferative phase of healing (80.6%), measuring six to ten inches (63.4%) no infection being reported (85%), no amputation (90.3%) or wound-related pain (52.7%) and presenting physical limitations related to the wound (66.7%).
Conclusions: People perceived their HRQOL as poor, their low scores highlighting low personal fulfillment, occupational functioning and physical and psychological wellbeing.