A Survey of Wound Carein a Surgical Department in an Urban Clinical Setting in Northern Part of Nigeria

Modupe Iretiola Builders

doi:10.11648/j.ijcoms.20180401.13

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify, quantify the demographic, wound characteristics and treatment objectives of patients admitted in the surgical department of this tertiary hospital. Study design: A pre-prepared questionnaire was used for data collection. The questions were related to patient socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge and attitude towards the wound management. The data collection took place from October 1<sup>st</sup> to December 31<sup>st</sup> 2016. Result: Data from 67 patients (59.7% male; 40.3% female) were collected. 29.9% were between 20-30years of age, 19.4% were alcoholics and 28.4% were traders. Majority of the wounds were caused by automobile accident (46.3%), mostly located on the legs (31.3%), majorly close wounds (85.1%) with duration of 7 days. Almost all the patients experienced wound pain (95.5%) located on the wound area (52.2%), 23.9% found itdifficult to sleep and 85.1% were prescribed drugs. 86.6% had dressing changes and this was done twice weekly (32.8%). Conclusion: There is need to improve outcomes, reduce the burden of wounds and improve health related quality of life.

Highlights

Wound care represents a major health burden in Africa and most parts of the world [1, 2]
Studies have shown that wound care appears to be delivered by individuals instead of health care professionals, and this may not be in the best interest of the patient [7]
Due to lack of specialization wound care, including low levels of research, minimal time spent on wound prevention or management [3], in this study, we investigated urban wound care in clinical setting in order to identify and quantify the age and gender of patients receiving wound treatment, treatment objectives, and the type, duration and characteristics of wounds as well as knowledge and attitude of the patients towards the wound management

Summary

Introduction

Wound care represents a major health burden in Africa and most parts of the world [1, 2]. Survey ofwound care among patients are statements made or actions taken by consumers that indicate their desirability of a range of health options such as health experiences, treatment options and health states This reflects beliefs and attitudes of the patient and family, and are related to the process, probability, and severity of potential choices [4]. Multidisciplinary approaches to wound care in the primary health care sector, as well as in hospitals, have demonstrated a reduction in home visits and the range of products used [4, 5]. Those primarily involved in wound care are patients, doctors and nurses [6]. Studies have shown that wound care appears to be delivered by individuals instead of health care professionals, and this may not be in the best interest of the patient [7]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion