Article

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the qualitative variations in how physical
activity is perceived and understood by individuals with current or previous
venous leg ulcer. DESIGN: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.
METHOD: Twenty-two individuals aged 60-85 years were interviewed. The interviews
were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by three researchers using a
phenomenographic research approach. A set of categories of descriptions and their
internal relationships were constructed based on the essential features of the
variation in patients' perceptions of physical activity. RESULTS: Four categories
of descriptions were identified: (i) 'self-management', (ii) 'instructions and
support', (iii) 'fear of injury' and (iv) 'a wish to stay normal'. The categories
could be interpreted by a two-dimensional construct: (1) perception of venous leg
ulcer as a chronic or acute condition and (2) engagement or avoidance behaviour
toward physical activity. Chronicity and behaviour combined together formed a 2 x
2 square housing the four qualitatively different categories. Irrespective of
category, the participants reported that information given by caregivers
regarding leg ulcer and physical activity was insufficient or contradictory.
Written information or exercise programmes were not obtained regularly and not at
all in primary care. CONCLUSION: A dichotomous view emerged from participants'
experiences of physical activity based on (1) perception of venous leg ulcer as a
chronic or acute condition and (2) engagement or avoidance behaviour toward
physical activity.

Langue : ANGLAIS