Sustaining Behavior Changes Following a Venous Leg Ulcer Client Education Program

Healthcare (Basel). 2014 Sep 4;2(3):324-37. doi: 10.3390/healthcare2030324.

Abstract

Venous leg ulcers are a symptom of chronic insufficiency of the veins. This study considered the sustainability of behavior changes arising from a client focus e-Learning education program called the "Leg Ulcer Prevention Program" (LUPP) for people with a venous leg ulcer. Data from two related studies were used to enable a single sample (n = 49) examination of behavior maintenance across an average 8 to 9 months period. Physical activity levels increased over time. Leg elevation, calf muscle exercises, and soap substitute use were seen to fluctuate over the follow up time points. The use of a moisturizer showed gradual decline over time. The provision of a client-focused venous leg ulcer program was associated with behavior changes that had varied sustainability across the evaluation period.

Keywords: behavior change; chronic disease; health behaviors; self-management; venous leg ulcer; wound.