The Psychosocial Impact of Leg Ulcers in Sickle Cell Disease

Our study was conducted to examine the psychosocial impact of leg ulcers on individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) by exploring the individual experiences in order to understand the physical function, stigma, and self-esteem associated with those with active, recurrent, or single-occurrence presentations of leg ulcers. To accomplish this objective, an in-depth, semi-structured interview methodology was employed. The intent was to afford participants the chance to expound upon existing questions and provide researchers with the opportunity to understand the complexity of participants’ experiences and quality of life.