title: Sustaining Behavior Changes Following a Venous Leg Ulcer Client Education Program.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University Alfred Health Clinical School, Level 4, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia. c.miller@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Charne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: RDNS Institute, 31 Alma Road, St. Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia. skapp@rdns.com.au.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kapp
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing an Midwifery, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, McMahons Rd., Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia. ldonohue@bluep.com.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Donohue
keywords: behavior change; chronic disease; health behaviors; self-management; venous leg ulcer; wound