Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of self-reported impaired wound healing on quality of life, wellbeing, and mood. It was hypothesized that individuals with impaired wound healing report significantly poorer mood compared to healthy controls. An online survey was conducted among 2173 Dutch young adults (18–30 years old) to investigate mood, neuroticism, and mental resilience. Participants were allocated to a healthy control group (N = 1728) or impaired wound healing groups comprising a wound infection group (WI, N = 76), a slow-healing wounds group (SHW, N = 272), and a group that experienced both WI and SHW (the COMBI group, N = 97). The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare outcomes the groups. Compared to the healthy control group, the SHW and COMBI groups, but not the WI group, reported significantly poorer mood, increased neuroticism, reduced mental resilience, and reduced quality of life. An analysis evaluating sex differences found that negative effects on stress, mental resilience, and neuroticism were significantly more pronounced among women than among men. In conclusion, self-reported impaired wound healing is associated with poorer mood and reduced quality of life. To improve future wound care, these findings advocate for an interdisciplinary approach taking into account mood effects accompanying having impaired wound healing.
Highlights
Chronic wounds constitute an underestimated public health problem [1,2]
Impaired quality of life is observed, which is related to various aspects of wound healing, including physical symptoms caused by the wounds, complications due to underlying disease or treatment, and changes in functional capacity and mobility
The current study showed significant relations between impaired wound healing and negative mood, reduced mental resilience, and poorer quality of life
Summary
Chronic wounds constitute an underestimated public health problem [1,2]. In the United States, approximately 8.2 million adults are diagnosed with chronic wounds with or without infection [3]. Previous research reported multiple comorbidities, including anxiety and depression in patients with impaired wound healing [5–8]. Depression and anxiety both have a negative influence on quality of life, when chronic diseases develop. Impaired quality of life is observed, which is related to various aspects of wound healing, including physical symptoms caused by the wounds, complications due to underlying disease or treatment, and changes in functional capacity and mobility. These may result in dependency on others and socioeconomic consequences [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
