Incontinence-associated dermatitis in elderly patients: prevalence and risk factors

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for incontinence-associated dermatitis in the elderly.

Cross-sectional exploratory study carried out in public hospitals. The dermatitis prevalence and associations were obtained by calculating the ratio. The effect dimension was estimated by the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and statistical significance p <0.05.

138 elderly people were included, with an average age of 77.2 years old (± 9.3); 69 (50%) had combined fecal and urinary incontinence. The dermatitis prevalence was 36.2% (50); 28% (14) had pressure injuries; 14% (7), candidiasis. Risk factors were: longer hospital stay (Odds Ratio = 5.8 [2.6-12.9]), obesity (Odds Ratio = 3.6 [1.2-10.4]), high level of dependence (Odds Ratio = 2.4 [1,1-5,0]) and high risk for pressure injury (Odds Ratio = 6.1 [1,4-26,9]).

The study found a high prevalence of dermatitis associated with incontinence. The early recognition of risk factors favors effective preventive actions.