[Prevalence and risk factors for pressure ulcers].
OBJECTIVE
To study prevalence of pressure ulcers among functionally impaired patients in the community and evaluate risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers in these patients.Design. Cross-sectional, observational study.


METHODS
Community dwellers served by the Primary Health Care Area of Rincón de la Victoria in Málaga.Participants. All patients included in the <<Impaired Patient Programme>> (n=178).


METHODS
A questionnaire was developed to ascertain demographic and health characteristics. Risk factors were evaluated with the Modified Norton Scale. The outcome variable of interest was presence or absence of pressure ulcers, their location and grade. The denominator used for the calculation of the prevalence was the total of evaluated patients. Results. Prevalence of pressure ulcers in our Basic Health Area was 12.9%. The most important sociodemographic characteristic associated with the presence of pressure ulcers in these patients was the educational attainment of the caregiver. Health varaibles of the patient were also associated with the risk of developing ulcers.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate the need of diagnostic protocols with standardised instruments and prevention plans to reduce pressure ulcers in the community. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate interventions in this area.
Gálvez Romero
C
C
Diplomada/o en enfermería. ZBS Rincón de la Victoria. Málaga. España. cgalvezro@hotmail.com
Mayorga Ramos
E
E
Gornemann Schafer
I
I
González Valentín
M A
MA
Corbacho del Real
J L
JL
Jiménez Berbel
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors