Nutrition-Related Factors Predicted Pressure Ulcers in Intensive Care Unit Patients*

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the nutrition-related factors influencing the prevalence of pressure ulcers among patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Methods: Research participants were 112 patients who were admitted to the ICU of a university hospital. Data were collected through questionnaires which included general characteristics, diet-related characteristics, nutritional status, and pressure ulcer status. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors association with prevalence of pressure ulcer. Results: The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 58 patients (51.8%) at 10th day after ICU admission. In multivariate analysis, prevalence of pressure ulcers at 10th day in ICU was significantly higher in the nutritional risk group (OR=6.43), malnutrition group (OR=88.02), and deceased serum albumin group (OR=28.83). Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that scores on MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) and serum albumin were significant predictors of pressure ulcer prevalence in ICU patients. Therefore, regular MNA-SF and albumin checkups are needed to identify risk for pressure ulcer for ICU patients. In the case of decreased MNA-SF scores and serum albumin levels, more intensive pressure ulcer care is needed for ICU patients. 주요어: 중환자, 영양, 욕창 Key words: Intensive care unit, Nutrition, Pressure ulcer