Sustaining Behavior Changes Following a Venous Leg Ulcer Client Education Program

• Main Authors: Charne Miller, Suzanne Kapp, Lisa Donohue
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2014-09-01
• Series: Healthcare
• Subjects: chronic disease; venous leg ulcer; wound; self-management; health behaviors; behavior change
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/2/3/324

Venous leg ulcers are a symptom of chronic insufficiency of the veins. This study considered the sustainability of behavior changes arising from a client focus e-Learning education program called the “Leg Ulcer Prevention Program” (LUPP) for people with a venous leg ulcer. Data from two related studies were used to enable a single sample (n = 49) examination of behavior maintenance across an average 8 to 9 months period. Physical activity levels increased over time. Leg elevation, calf muscle exercises, and soap substitute use were seen to fluctuate over the follow up time points. The use of a moisturizer showed gradual decline over time. The provision of a client-focused venous leg ulcer program was associated with behavior changes that had varied sustainability across the evaluation period.