First National Survey of Leg Ulcer Prevalence in Spain. GNEAUPP-UIFCSmith & Nephew 2002-2003. Epidemiology of venous, arterial, mixed and diabetic foot ulcers
Joan-Enric Torra i Bou, J. Javier Soldevilla Agreda, Justo Rueda López, José Verdú Soriano, Enric Roche Rebollo, Montserrat Arboix i Perejamo, Fernando Martínez Cuervo

SUMMARY

Introduction: Leg ulcers are an important health issue whose epidemiological impact in Spain is currently unknown. Consequently, the National Association for the Study and Counselling on Cronic and Pressure Ulcers (GNEAUPP, Grupo Nacional para el Estudio y Asesoramiento en Úlceras por Presión y Heridas Crónicas) put forward conducting the first national study on leg ulcer prevalence.

Patients, material and methods: To this end, a questionnaire was posted to all GNEAUPP members. Questionnaires were also supplied via the Smith & Nephew Spain sales network. Each of the professionals participating in the survey reported on the current situation in regards with their list of patients, when located in Primary Care sites; or their wards and nurse units, if working in hospitals and nursing homes. The study was conducted between october and december, 2002.

Results: Three hundred and fifty three questionnaires were submitted within the scheduled period, which accounted for a response rate of 8,82%. Two hundred and twenty two (62,8% of the questionnaires) were received from Primary Care professionals, 66 (18,7%) were submitted by hospital staff and the remaining 65 (18,4%) were sent from nursing homes. The received questionnaires reflect the situation of Primary Care site users; showing the prevalence of leg ulcers in the over 14 year-old population to be 0,165%. Of these, 0,09% are venous ulcers, 0,06% are mixed ulcers and 0,013% are arterial. As for diabetic ulcers, a prevalence of 0,53% was found among diabetic patients.

Discusion: Leg ulcers are an important health issue in Spain with ever more serious dimensions as patient age increases. With regards to venous ulcers, the paucity of use of compression dressings is a striking factor. This circumstance correlates with wound severity and other variables associated to care and attention (assistance duration, resources involved, etc.). An integral approach of the leg ulcer issue in Spain calls for the identification of multidisciplinary standards to provide specialists (vascular surgeons), Primary Care and Nursing Home professionals with an appropriate framework for collaboration.

KEY WORDS

Epidemiology, Spain, leg ulcers.

Vol. 15 nº4-2004