Prevalence of chronic wounds in a city of minas gerais (brazil)

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of chronic wounds in a city of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to identify the clinical, epidemiological and
sociodemographic profile of the patients with wounds and to describe the characteristics of the wounds and the treatment received. This is an exploratory,
descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out in a medium-sized city in Zona da Mata/MG, with a sample of 104 participants with chronic wound from
the 25 Family Health Strategy and the seven Health Centers city that met the inclusion criteria. For the data collection the participants underwent clinical
evaluation, including evaluation of the wound and some data were extracted from the medical record. The estimated prevalence of chronic wounds was
0.164% (1.64 / 1,000 inhabitants); the participants had a average age of 66.6 years; most were women; with low schooling and monthly income. Most had
associated illnesses and used one or more medications. The average duration of the wounds was 2 years, and most were in the legs and were of venous
origin, being treated with ointments. The physician was primarily responsible for the treatment and the dressing changes were performed by the patient or
caregiver. It was concluded that the prevalence obtained was compatible with the literature and the results obtained will help the nurses and managers in
the organization of the care network to the user with chronic wound of the city where the research was performed. It is recommended to carry out similar
studies in other cities to compare data.