DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN PEOPLE WITH DIFFICULT-TO-HEAL LEG ULCERS TREATED BY A REFERRAL OUTPATIENT CLINIC

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of depression symptoms and associated factors in people with difficult-to-heal leg ulcers. Methods: a descriptive-exploratory and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted at the Wound Outpatient Clinic of a municipality located in the north of Minas Gerais - Brazil, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in 32 people with difficult-to-heal leg ulcers was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: the prevalence of the outcome analyzed was important, with about 70% of the people presenting depressive symptoms, an association was identified with the location of the ulcer and also with lifestyle. Conclusion: depressive symptoms were highly prevalent in people with leg ulcers, which was associated with the location of the ulcers and lifestyle, and it was important for professionals to seek strategies that favor the mental health of people with leg ulcers, especially through multiprofessional action, therapeutic listening and support in operative groups.