Factors Protecting Against Pressure Injuries in Medically Underserved Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Background: Pressure injuries negatively impact quality of life and participation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: To examine the factors that may protect against the development of medically serious pressure injuries in adults with SCI. Methods: A qualitative analysis was conducted using treatment notes regarding 50 socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals who did not develop medically serious pressure injuries during a 12-month pressure injury prevention intervention program. Results: Eight types of potentially protective factors were identified: meaningful activity, motivation to prevent negative health outcomes, stability/resources, equipment, communication and self-advocacy skills, personal traits, physical factors, and behaviors/activities. Conclusions: Some protective factors (eg, personal traits) may be inherent to certain individuals and nonmodifiable. However, future interventions for this population may benefit from a focus on acquisition of medical equipment and facilitation of sustainable, health-promoting habits and routines. Substantive policy changes may be necessary to facilitate access to adequate resources, particularly housing and equipment, for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals with SCI. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of risk and protective factors for pressure injuries in adults with SCI, particularly in underserved groups.