How does a chronic wound change a patient's social life? A European survey on social support and social participation

TY - JOUR

T1 - How does a chronic wound change a patient's social life? A European survey on social support and social participation

AU - Janke, Toni Maria

AU - Kozon, Vlastimil

AU - Barysch, Marjam

AU - Valiukeviciene, Skaidra

AU - Rackauskaite, Laura

AU - Reich, Adam

AU - Stępień, Katarzyna

AU - Jankechova, Monika

AU - van Montfrans, Catherine

AU - Amesz, Stella

AU - Conde Montero, Elena

AU - Augustin, Matthias

AU - Blome, Christine

N1 - © 2023 The Authors. International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PY - 2023/12

Y1 - 2023/12

N2 - Chronic wounds can severely limit patient's social life. This cross-sectional study investigated quantitatively social support of patients with chronic wounds, its association with health-related quality of life as well as qualitatively changes in social participation of these patients. Overall, 263 patients from seven countries participated. The most frequent wound class was leg ulcer (49.2%). Results revealed generally high levels of social support (mean global score: 5.5) as measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. However, individuals differed considerably (range 1.0-7.0). All dimensions of social support differed by patients' family and living situations (p < 0.001 to p = 0.040) and were positively correlated with generic health-related quality of life (r = 0.136-0.172). Having children, living with others and being in a relationship were significant predictors of having higher global social support. Patients reported great support from family members. Many participants reported no changes in relationships with friends. Wound care managers took an important role and provided additional emotional support. Patients reported a range of discontinued activities. Despite the high overall level of social support, inter-individual differences should be acknowledged. The importance of family carers should be acknowledged to be able to reduce caregiver burden and to ensure high-qualitative wound care.

AB - Chronic wounds can severely limit patient's social life. This cross-sectional study investigated quantitatively social support of patients with chronic wounds, its association with health-related quality of life as well as qualitatively changes in social participation of these patients. Overall, 263 patients from seven countries participated. The most frequent wound class was leg ulcer (49.2%). Results revealed generally high levels of social support (mean global score: 5.5) as measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. However, individuals differed considerably (range 1.0-7.0). All dimensions of social support differed by patients' family and living situations (p < 0.001 to p = 0.040) and were positively correlated with generic health-related quality of life (r = 0.136-0.172). Having children, living with others and being in a relationship were significant predictors of having higher global social support. Patients reported great support from family members. Many participants reported no changes in relationships with friends. Wound care managers took an important role and provided additional emotional support. Patients reported a range of discontinued activities. Despite the high overall level of social support, inter-individual differences should be acknowledged. The importance of family carers should be acknowledged to be able to reduce caregiver burden and to ensure high-qualitative wound care.

KW - Child

KW - Humans

KW - Quality of Life/psychology

KW - Social Participation

KW - Cross-Sectional Studies

KW - Family/psychology

KW - Social Support

U2 - 10.1111/iwj.14309

DO - 10.1111/iwj.14309

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 37475498

VL - 20

SP - 4138

EP - 4150

JO - INT WOUND J

JF - INT WOUND J

SN - 1742-4801

IS - 10

ER -