Determination of Pressure Ulcer Incidence and Its Related Risk Factors at Orthopedic Eards: A Descriptive Study

Pressure ulcer and its related factors are associated with complications such as decreased quality of life of patients and increased cost of health system as important issues of nursing care. This descriptive study was conducted to determine the incidence of pressure ulcer and its related factors in patients at orthopedic wards. Methods: 330 patients with no pressure ulcer at the time of admission were selected through convenience sampling. A demographic questionnaire, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Grading System and Braden Pressure Ulcer Assessment Scale were used for data collection. Results: 46 patients (%13.9) developed pressure ulcers of which %76.1, %21.7 and %2.2 were at stages one, two and three respectively. The most common locations of the ulcers were in sacrum (%34), ischium (%34.8), heels (%17.4) and both sacrum and heels (%10.9). Conclusion: The incidence of pressure ulcers in our study is similar to other reports around the world. Risk factors in this regard are old age, lengthy hospitalization and medical diagnosis, type of therapy, low Body Mass Index score,