[Prevalence of chronic wounds in a county in the province of Barcelona (Spain)].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of chronic wounds in patients in a specific region and their distribution according to health resources. To classify wound typologies and the treatment provided. To examine the use of risk assessment scales and preventive measures.


METHODS
A cross sectional study was performed between June 2 and 8, 2004 that included all the health centers of the distinct health areas of Osona County (Barcelona), with a population of 128,309 persons aged more than 14 years. Data were collected on patients diagnosed with chronic wounds and on the characteristics of these wounds.


RESULTS
We studied 251 patients with a mean age of 77.5 years. A total of 377 chronic wounds were identified and there were 168 pressure ulcers. The prevalence of chronic wounds was 0.29% and that of pressure ulcers was 0.13%. The proportion of patients with lower limb ulcers was significantly higher in primary care than in acute and geriatric care (p<0.005). The proportion of patients with pressure ulcers was higher in acute and geriatric care than in primary care (p<0.005). Preventive scales were applied in 81 patients (92%) with pressure ulcers.


CONCLUSIONS
Applying the concept of chronic wound was useful in identifying the high prevalence of lower limb ulcers. The distribution of wounds varied according to the health resources available.
Ferrer-Solà
Marta
M
Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Barcelona, España.
Chirveches-Pérez
Emilia
E
Molist-Señé
Gemma
G
Molas-Puigvila
Montserrat
M
Besolí-Codina
Anna
A
Jaumira-Areñas
Elisenda
E
Piella-Pons
Silvia
S
Casas-Tió
Silvia
S
Dot-Padrós
Roser
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*