Skin injuries in neonates admitted to three Iranian neonatal intensive care units

Abstract

Hospitalized neonates are exposed to numerous interventions by the medical teams. Therefore; maintaining skin integrity is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the types, causes, and areas of skin injuries in neonates admitted to the three Iranian neonatal intensive care units. This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive method. Participants were 265 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of teaching Hospitals in Tabriz. Data collection tools included the neonates’ demographic characteristics questionnaire and skin injury types according to the Skin Risk Assessment and Management Tool. Data were collected by observing neonates two to eight times during the study period. Results showed that seventy-two percent of neonates had skin injuries. Bruises (49.4%) were the most common injuries. The most affected area was the hand (41.83%). The relationship between the total number of injuries with gestational age, birth weight, and length of hospitalization was significant (p < 0.05). According to the high incidence of skin injuries, there is a vital need to prevent them by using appropriate devices for predicting these injuries. These results have shown that neonates are at high risk of skin injuries, supportive skincare policies, guidelines, and knowledge regarding daily care is essential to reduce skin injuries incidence and improve neonatal skin care.