Prevalencia de las úlceras por presión en una zona rural de la provincia de Cádiz

Abstract

Introduction Pressure ulcers (PU) is a condition prevalent in many countries around the world that directly affects the quality of life of the patient, their caregivers, and also leads to high health and social welfare costs. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of PU and other associated factors. Material and methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the municipality of Paterna de Rivera (Cadiz). Participants were patient included in the Home-Care Services (n = 86). A specific Questionnaire with health and social welfare variables was designed. The Braden scale was used to determine the risk of developing PU. The scale recommended by the National Group for the Study and Advice on Pressure Ulcers and Chronic Wounds (GNEAUPP), which has adopted the National Pressure Ulcers Advisory Panel (NPUAP), was used to stage the ulcers. The denominator for calculating the prevalence was the number of patients included in the Home-Care Services Program. Results A total of 86 patients were included in the HCP, of which 66.6% were women. The mean age was 77.7 ± 12 years. The main disease group for inclusion in the HCP was osteoarticular in 37% of the cases (32 patients). The main carer was the daughter (51%) with a mean age of 52.2 ± 13.7 years. The risk of developing PU (Braden Scale) was: high in the 9% of the patients, moderate in the 29%, and low in 62%. The prevalence of PU was 9.3%. The location of the wound was, in descending order of frequency: sacrum, trochanter, heel, scapula, ankle and breast. The severity of the wounds was predominantly Stage III in 37.5% of those affected. The mean age of the wound was 9.6 ± 7.1 months. Among the preventive measures, only 12.8% of the caregivers knew about making frequent posture changes. Conclusions PU prevalence PU in this municipality was considered intermediate. We have noted that there are various methodologies to study this health problem. We are going to propose, in our area of influence, a protocol on prevention and treatment to mitigate this problem insofar as is possible.