Predictors of Pressure Ulcers among Bedridden Elderly Patients

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a serious health problem worldwide, once they develop, they become difficult to treat. PUs are frequent occurrence in the bedridden elderly, especially those who are over 65 years old. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude of caregivers and assess risk factors of pressure ulcers among elderly patients. Methodology:  A descriptive design was utilized to conduct this study which was conducted in orthopedic department at the surgical hospital at the Zagazig University Hospitals. The sample included 60 caregivers of elderly patients. Tools used for data collection was a structured interview questionnaire which composed of two parts; Demographic characteristics and medical history of the studied caregivers and elderly patients , Caregivers’ knowledge of pressure ulcers structured interview questionnaire, Caregivers 'attitude toward Pressure Ulcer Prevention (APUP) questionnaire and Braden scale of proneness to bedsore development .Results: A mong the studied caregivers of elderly patients, there was 83.3% of studied caregivers had inadequate knowledge about prevention of pressure ulcers, 70.0% had negative attitude toward prevention of PUs, 56.7 of the elderly patients had moderate risk factors of pressure ulcers while 43.3% of them had high risk. A statistically significant positive correlation between caregivers' knowledge, attitude and elderly total mean score of Braden scale. Conclusion: The majority of elderly patients' caregivers were illiterate, had inadequate knowledge, negative attitude toward prevention of pressure ulcers and more half of elderly had moderate risk of pressure ulcers. Recommendation: Developing training and educational programs to improve caregivers' knowledge and attitude toward prevention of pressure ulcers and reduce risk factors of developing pressure ulcers among bedridden elderly patients.