Pressure ulcer prevalence, incidence and associated risk factors in the community

This study examined the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers as well as associated risk factors in the community. By using the Web of Causation and the Braden conceptual schema, barriers to effective interventions were identified and analyzed. The Web of Causation for pressure ulcer development includes socioeconomic factors and personal belief systems. It also includes the following risk factors: mobility, activity, moisture, nutrition, friction, shear, and altered sensory perception. There were 103 participants in this study. Data gathered by public health nurses included occurrence, risk assessment score, and demographics. Significant demographics for the pressure ulcer group included age greater than 70 years and diagnoses related to altered mobility, activity, and circulatory status. Pressure ulcer patients who were incontinent accounted for 73% of the total, with urinary incontinence accounting for 33%. There were 1.4 ulcers per patient. Most of the ulcers (78%) occurred on the sacral/coccygeal area and were either Stage II or Stage III. The prevalence rate of pressure ulcers in the community was 29% and the incidence rate was 16.5%.