Risk factors for pressure ulceration in an older community-dwelling population.
BACKGROUND
Older adults frequently experience pressure ulcers (PrUs) and suffer the risks of the ulceration. Risk factors for PrUs remain unclear in a community population.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for future pressure ulceration in a community sample.


METHODS
This was a retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
All patients older than 60 years in a primary care panel in Olmsted County, Minnesota, on January 1, 2005, were enrolled (n = 12,650).


METHODS
The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of pressure ulceration within 40 months of index date. The predictor risk variables included demographic and comorbid health risk factors. The data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. The authors created a final model based on multivariable risk factors.


RESULTS
Of 12,650 patients, 366 patients developed an incident PrU (2.9%). In the final model, age, male sex, and long-term-care facility admission were significant factors. Prior pressure ulceration with an odds ratio of 5.60 (95% confidence interval, 3.86-8.14) was the largest risk factor. Diabetes, falls, cataracts, renal insufficiency, and peripheral vascular disease were also associated with PrU development.


CONCLUSIONS
PrU development involves important risk factors of prior PrU development and long-term-care facility placement as the 2 largest risk factors. Both factors are easily determined by history. Increasing age and comorbid medical conditions also impact PrU development as important risk factors for PrU development.
Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Paul Y
PY
Takahashi
Anupam
A
Chandra
Stephen S
SS
Cha
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index