A prospective, descriptive pressure ulcer risk factor and prevalence study at a university hospital in Turkey

Valid and reliable patient records regarding pressure ulcers and standard procedures to promote pressure ulcer prevention are not generally available in Turkish hospitals. Consequently, information about pressure ulcer prevalence and risk factors is limited and cannot be obtained retrospectively. A prospective, 1-day, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among all eligible, hospitalized patients in the adult medical, surgical, and intensive care units of a university hospital in Turkey. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the prevalence and characteristics of patients with or at risk for developing pressure ulcers. A patient history and demographic and length of stay variables were obtained and skin integrity and Braden scale score variables were assessed for all eligible patients (n = 344 patients admitted more than 24 hours before the study). Forty (40) patients had at least one pressure ulcer (prevalence rate 11.6%) and 111 (32.3%) were found to be at risk for pressure ulcer development. Patients with a low albumin level and other diseases or medical problems as well as those who were comatose or had surgery had a higher rate of pressure ulcers. Patients at risk for pressure ulcer development were found to be male, older, unconscious, and post surgery; additionally, they had a low body mass index and serum albumin as well as other health problems known to be associated with pressure ulcer formation. A significant, negative correlation between hospital length of stay and Braden scale score also was observed. These findings confirm prevalence and risk factor data from studies conducted in other countries and suggest that assessment and prevention efforts in Turkish hospitals must improve in order to decrease the burden of pressure ulcers.