Investigation of the knowledge level of the caregivers about pressure ulcer in patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community

Objective To investigate the knowledge level of the caregivers about pressure ulcer in patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community, and to provide the scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcer. Methods 216 caregivers for patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community were chosen from Mar. 2012 to May 2013. The investigation on the awareness of pressure ulcer was performed by using questionnaire survey. Results The awareness rate of pressure ulcer in caregivers was 41.5%. The caregivers had gender difference (174 females and 42 males). Most of the caregivers were 41 to 50 years old (124 cases, 57.4%). Most caregivers had 1~2 years work experience (94 cases, 43.5%). Most of them had low level of education (170 cases, 78.7%) and non-professional training (178 cases, 82.4%). The questionnaire score was higher in young caregivers than in the olders(F=2.483, P<0.05). The questionnaire score was higher in caregivers having a long working lifetime(F=3.624, P<0.05), higher educational background (F=5.139, P<0.01)and discipline training (t=7.346, P<0.01)than in caregivers not having them. Conclusions The awareness rate of the knowledge about pressure ulcer is low in caregivers for patient with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community. It is necessary to strengthen the guidance and training in caregivers to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and the medical cost, and improve the quality of life in patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community. Key words: Pressure ulcer; Rural population