The prevalence and specific characteristics of hospitalised pressure ulcer patients: A multicentre cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo ascertain the pressure ulcer prevalence in secondary and tertiary general hospitals in different areas of Guangdong Province in China and explore the possible risk factors that are related to pressure ulcers. BackgroundFew multicentre studies have been conducted on pressure ulcer prevalence in Chinese hospitals. DesignA cross-sectional study design was used. MethodsData from a total of 25,264 patients were included in the analysis at 25 hospitals in China. The investigators were divided into two groups. The investigators in group 1 examined the patients' skin. When a pressure ulcer was found, a pressure ulcer assessment form was completed. The investigators in group 2 provided guidance to the nurses, who assessed all patients and completed another questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship between the possible risk factors and pressure ulcer. ResultsThe overall prevalence rate of pressure ulcers in the 25 hospitals ranged from 0%-3.49%, with a mean of 1.26%. The most common stage of the pressure ulcers was stage II (41.4%); most common anatomical locations were sacrum (39.5%) and the feet (16.4%). Braden score (p<.001), expected length of stay (p<.001), incontinence (p<.001), care group (p=.011), hospital location (p<.001), type of hospitals (p=.004), ages of patients (p<.001) were associations of pressure ulcers from the multivariate logistic regression analysis. ConclusionsThe overall prevalence rate of pressure ulcers in Chinese hospitals was lower than that reported in previous investigations. Specific characteristics of pressure ulcer patients were as follows: low Braden score, longer expected length of stay, double incontinence, an ICU and a medical ward, hospital location in the Pearl River Delta, a university hospital and an older patient. Relevance to clinical practiceThe survey could make managers know their prevalence level of pressure ulcers and provide priorities for clinical nurses.