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Impacto da Literacia em Saúde no Tratamento da Úlcera Venosa da Perna: Uma Scoping Review
Impact of Health Literacy on the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers: A Scoping Review

PDF Português (Portugal)
Published: Oct 18, 2026

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Coralie Alves - Corresponding Author
Medicina Geral e Familiar, Unidade Local de Saúde Alto Minho, Extensão de Saúde São Martinho da Gandra da Unidade de Saúde Familiar Vale do Lima, Ponte de Lima, Portugal; Membro da Comissão de Úlceras e Feridas, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho, Viana do Castelo, Portugal; Membro da Sociedade Portuguesa de Literacia em Saúde (SPLS); Oeiras, Portugal.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4573-1267
Isabel Vilaverde
Especialista em Enfermagem Comunitária na área de Enfermagem de Saúde Familiar, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3089-1029
Mónica Brito
Enfermeira na Extensão de Saúde de São Martinho da Gandra, Unidade Local de Saúde Alto Minho, Uni- dade de Saúde Familiar Vale do Lima, Ponte de Lima, Portugal

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Venous leg ulcers have a high prevalence in Portugal and a significant impact on quality of life. Health Literacy can improve treatment adherence, self-care behaviours and wound healing.


METHODOLOGY: A PRISMA-ScR Scoping Review (2014–2024) was conducted. Five studies were included, one of which was published in 2025 and incorporated due to its scientific relevance, despite falling outside the predefined time frame.


RESULTS: The trials (sample sizes 30–208 participants) demonstrated significant improvements: wound area reduction between 18.4% and 54%, higher healing rates (83% vs 60%), and shorter median healing time (13 vs 34.7 weeks). Increased patient knowledge (p <0.05), greater adherence to compression therapy and improved self-care practices were also observed. One study reported a 65% reduction in healthcare costs.


CONCLUSION: Health Literacy enhances patient knowledge, adherence and healing outcomes, although sustained effects require continuous and multidisciplinary interventions.

Keywords: Health Literacy; Leg Ulcer; Self-Management; Varicose Ulcer

Article Details

1.
Alves C, Vilaverde I, Brito M. Impact of Health Literacy on the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers: A Scoping Review. Gaz Med [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 18 [cited 2026 Oct. 20];1(1). Available from: https://www.gazetamedica.pt/index.php/gazeta/article/view/1154
Section
REVIEW ARTICLES
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