The prevalence and prevention of pressure ulcers: A multicenter study of nine nursing homes in eastern China

Aim: To assess the prevalence, related factors, and strategies for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (PUs) in nursing homes in eastern China. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional multicenter survey, assessments of 1158 residents in nine nursing homes in eastern China were conducted on a single day in August of 2019. Results: Of the 1158 residents, 56 (4.8%) had at least one PU. Most of the identified PUs were classified as stage 3 (39.3%) and developed at home (55.4%). By multiple regression analysis, eating mode, bed-bound, and Braden score were significant association with the development of PUs in nursing homes. Conclusions: The prevalence of PUs in this study was similar to that reported by previous international studies. The implementation of measures for the prevention and treatment of PUs is insufficient in nursing homes in eastern China. Further, this study raised the issue of the lack of measures to prevent the development of PUs at home.

Automated summary

This study assessed the prevalence and related factors of pressure ulcers in nursing homes in eastern China, finding associations between PU development and eating mode, bed-bound status, and Braden score. The prevalence of PUs in this study was similar to international studies, but prevention and treatment measures in nursing homes were insufficient, and there was a lack of measures to prevent PU development at home.