Pressure Ulcer Risk Factors Among the Elderly Living in Long-term Institutions 

Although many intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors are involved, pressure is the most important factor in the development of pressure ulcers. The elderly are more susceptible to the development of these skin lesions as a result of changes associated with the aging process. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for pressure ulcers in the elderly living in long-term institutions.

An analytic cross-sectional study of 40 patients age 60 years and older with pressure ulcers was conducted in six long-term institutions for the elderly (LTIE) in the West Side of São Paulo, Brazil. The present study evaluates pressure ulcers and their associated risk factors. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test.

A statistically significant association between the risk factors evaluated in this study and the development of pressure ulcers in the sample was not found. According to the Braden scale, 67.5% of the patients were at high risk for pressure ulcer development. Fifty-one pressure ulcers were detected, with the majority (56.2%) being located in the sacral region. In the present study, more than 50% of the patients had low sensory perception, mobility, nutrition, and friction and shear subscales scores. The most prevalent risk factors were advanced age (mean, 83.8 years), length of stay that exceeded 31 months, white skin, neuromotor and skeletal muscle disorders, urinary and fecal incontinence, and continuous use of sedatives, analgesics, and hypotensives.

The knowledge of risk factors is essential for healthcare professionals in planning effective prevention programs that target the elderly living in LTIE.