Abstract
Objective
Determine the relapse rate of varicose ulcer and check the association between relapse and prevention measures adopted.
Methods
Cohort study involving 50 patients over 18 years of age post-healing of varicose ulcer monitored over ten years. Relapse was assessed through direct inspection during the clinical assessment, and the preventive measures used were informed by the patient. Pearson’s chi-square test was used with p ≤0.05.
Results
Relapse of varicose ulcer corresponded to 62.2%, mostly in women, followed by elderly, illiterate and retired people. The following combination was effective to prevent relapses: use of compressive stockings, rest and application of moisturizer.
Conclusion
The relapse rate of varicose ulcer was high and the main combination of preventive measures applied was the use of compressive stockings, rest and application of moisturizer.
Nursing care; Clinical nursing research; Recurrence; Varicose ulcer/prevention & control