The role of habit in recurrent pressure ulcers following spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background: Despite the existence of numerous prevention strategies, pressure ulcers remain highly prevalent in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). The concept of habit, broadly defined, may help understand the persistence of this problem and offer strategies for its mitigation by occupational therapy.Aim: The aim of this paper is to describe the relationship between habits established prior to sustaining an SCI and post-injury habits that impacted on pressure ulcer risk.Methods: Secondary analysis of qualitative data collected during an ethnographic study of community-dwelling adults with SCI.Results: Participants’ habits appeared to substantially affect their risk of developing pressure ulcers. Habits established before incurring the SCI either facilitated or hindered the acquisition of new habits intended to prevent pressure ulcers.Conclusions: An understanding of the individual’s pre-existing habits may be important when designing a rehabilitation programme intended to minimize risk of pressure ulcer development following SCI. Habit-change strategies could be used to supplement education in pressure ulcer prevention techniques.Significance: Occupational therapists have a longstanding interest in habit. A more comprehensive understanding of this concept may provide important insights into the persistence and management of pressure ulcers following SCI.