Pressure ulcer risk in spinal cord injury: predictors of ulcer status over 3 years.
OBJECTIVE
To identify predictors of pressure ulcers in men with spinal cord injury over a 3-year period.


METHODS
Longitudinal, two-panel, cohort.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
One hundred eighteen men with spinal cord injury.


METHODS
Interviews, questionnaires, and physical examinations were completed in two phases, 3 years apart. Information obtained included demographic and spinal cord injury characteristics; ulcer history; health beliefs and practices; measures of impairment, disability, and handicap; and skin integrity.


RESULTS
Thirty-one percent of the participants reported having a pressure ulcer in the 12 months before Phase 2. Some Phase 1 predictors of self-reported ulcers in the year before Phase 2 were a younger age at onset of spinal cord injury, previous pressure ulcer surgery, and the presence of a pressure ulcer in the year before Phase 1. On examination at Phase 2, 59% presented with an ulcer. Phase 1 predictors of ulcer presence at Phase 2 examination were similar to predictors for self-reported ulcers.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with the identified predictive characteristics are at greater risk for developing pressure ulcers. These individuals should receive additional interventions to reduce that risk. Potential interventions include more systematic and frequent follow-up, frequent review of pressure ulcer prevention and management strategies, and provision of needed personal assistance and relevant equipment.
Garber
S L
SL
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston TX, USA.
Rintala
D H
DH
Hart
K A
KA
Fuhrer
M J
MJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation