Risk factors for pressure ulcers in adult patients: A meta-analysis on sociodemographic factors and the Braden scale

Aims and objectives Providing the first meta-analysis of risk factors for pressure ulcer development in adult patients. Background Pressure ulcers remain a serious health complication for patients and nursing staff. However, there is a lack of statistical evidence for risk factors as previous research did not include any quantitative synthesis. Design Meta-analysis, using PRISMA guidelines. Methods Studies from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and other reviews and sources were screened and checked against the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using a slightly modified QUIPS tool. Data regarding population, design, statistical analysis and risk factors were extracted. Meta-analysis with comparable studies was conducted for age, sex, and Braden scale. The sub-group analysis was used to account for heterogeneity. Results 28 studies with 570,162 patients were entered in meta-analysis. Older age and a low total Braden scale score increased the risk for pressure ulcers. All subscales excluding 'moisture' reached significance in meta-analysis based only on few studies, however, limiting overall evidence. Male sex achieved mixed results, too. Conclusion The first meta-analytic analysis shows evidence for age and Braden scale as risk factors for pressure ulcer development. Limitations regarding study quality and heterogeneity must be considered, highlighting the need for unifying certain conditions in risk factor research. Relevance to clinical practice Patients at risk for new pressure ulcers can be identified by their total Braden score and age, whereas the latter is also connected to deeper pressure ulcers. Nurses and health personnel should pay great attention to patients in older age and undergo specific training to utilise and evaluate the Braden scale effectively, if necessary.

Automated summary

This study is the first meta-analysis on the risk factors for pressure ulcer development in adult patients. The results showed that age and Braden scale are risk factors for pressure ulcer development. However, limitations in study quality and heterogeneity need to be considered, highlighting the need for unifying certain conditions in risk factor research.