Nursing Care and Psychosocial Impacts of Chronic Leg Ulcers in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Leg ulcers are the most common long-term complication of sickle cell disease in Nigeria and pose a significant psychosocial burden. This study assessed the psychosocial impact of chronic leg ulcers in affected patients and explored potential interventions to improve quality of life and promote wound healing. Using the biopsychosocial model, eighteen adult patients with chronic leg ulcers were conveniently selected from two health facilities in Ibadan and treated with four-layer compression bandaging. Psychosocial outcomes before and after the intervention were assessed using a semi-structured quality-of-life questionnaire. Paired-samples t-tests evaluated changes in psychosocial symptoms, and linear regression identified predictors of quality-of-life scores. Participants aged 19 44 years, had ulcer durations ranging from 1 to 22 years. Common symptoms included pain, insomnia, malodour, social isolation, and depressive features several of which improved significantly following intervention (p = 0.005). Pain severity significantly predicted quality-of-life scores [adjusted R² = 0.613, p = 0.0001; y = 20.9 + 5.2(x)]. Effective pain and odour management, along with a community-based nursing approach, can substantially improve patient outcomes and  overall quality of life.