[Chronic wounds as a public health problem].

Area of Science:

• Wound healing and management
• Public health and epidemiology
• Health economics

Background:

• Chronic wounds fail to heal within the expected timeframe, unlike acute wounds.
• Typical chronic wounds include ischemic, neurotrophic, hypostatic ulcers, diabetic foot, and decubital ulcers.
• Chronic venous insufficiency is the primary cause of lower leg ulcers (80%), followed by arterial etiology (5-10%) and neuropathic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significant patient and healthcare system burden of chronic wounds.
• To underscore the increasing prevalence due to aging populations and epidemics of diabetes and obesity.
• To emphasize the need for a cost-effective, multidisciplinary approach to chronic wound management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of epidemiological data on chronic wound prevalence.
• Analysis of the impact of chronic wounds on patient quality of life.
• Examination of the socioeconomic costs associated with chronic wound care.

Main Results:

• Chronic wounds decrease patient quality of life through pain, immobility, and continuous treatment needs.
• Prevalence increases with age, affecting 0.6-3% of those over 60 and over 5% of those over 80.
• Chronic wound management consumes 2-4% of Western healthcare budgets, representing a substantial socioeconomic challenge.

Conclusions:

• Chronic wounds represent a growing public health concern with significant patient and economic implications.
• A multidisciplinary approach is essential for efficient, simple, painless, and cost-effective chronic wound treatment.
• Addressing the rising incidence requires proactive strategies considering demographic and lifestyle trends.