Self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease

OBJECTIVE: to identify self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease. METHOD: a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory approach with 14 women. The collection was performed from December 2015 to January 2016, while the analysis was supported by Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. RESULTS: self-care requirements are not fully met. The following were identified as universal: balance between loneliness and social interaction, rest and proper nutrition; development: inability to perform work, abrupt changes in the environment due to hospitalization, educational deprivation and dropout; health deviations: ulcer recurrences, pain, changes in skin appearance and gait changes. CONCLUSION: nursing care for women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease requires planned actions for comprehensive care.