A survey of wheelchair use by paraplegic individuals in Japan. Part 2: Prevalence of pressure sores.
A cross-sectional survey was done to clarify the incidence of pressure sores in 218 self-supported Japanese paraplegic patients and to determine effective measures for prevention. The majority of patients (85.7%) had previous pressure sores, and 46.3% had undergone multiple surgeries. Some patients (17.9%) were still suffering from persistent sores which commonly developed at the ischial tuberosities, suggesting insufficiency of self-care practice during wheelchair activities. Sensory disturbance over the seating surface, urinary incontinence, and general complications were seen in 85.8%, 49.5%, and 18.8% of total subjects, respectively. They were seen as risk factors for pressure sores, but only urinary incontinence clearly increased the current pressure sore prevalence. Nevertheless, both self-care practice and sports activities, seen in 85.3% and 36.2% of total subjects, respectively, contributed to greatly reduce the incidence. A patient education system including acquisition of basic knowledge and proper technique should be established to promote effective prevention of pressure sores in Japan.
Sumiya
T
T
Rosai Rehabilitation Engineering Center, Nagoya, Japan.
Kawamura
K
K
Tokuhiro
A
A
Takechi
H
H
Ogata
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications; D014910:Wheelchairs