title: [Epidemiology of pressure ulcers or the danger of a new Tower of Babel].
abstract: Pressure epidemiology is a fundamental facet in meeting this important challenge to the health care system. The studies done on epidemiology signify an important effort by their authors, although their validity may be conditioned by methodological and conceptual aspects. The proliferation of studies about pressure epidemiology in our country, some of which having methodological conceptions not in agreement with the existing bibliography about this topic in other countries, make it necessary to gain a grasp of the basic epidemiologic aspects applied to the study of pressures as a health problem. This paper presents a bibliographical review on the subject and states proposals adapted to the characteristics of our immediate environs. This paper includes a review of these concepts: prevalence, incidence, recurrence, and severity; in addition to the most utilized variables in describing the pressure problem. Different strategies for the elaboration of epidemiological studies about pressures are also analyzed. Furthermore, the minimum information which authors of said studies need to facilitate in their reports are mentioned.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Torra i Bou
mesh_terms: D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007255:Information Services; D011159:Population Surveillance; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology