Nosocomial Pressure Ulcer Risk Factors in a Relatively Young Adult Population
Background: Pressure ulcersare considered to beamajor
health problem both in acute and community settings.
Numerous studies have explored risk factors related to the
development of pressure ulcers but not in a relatively
younger population as in Jordan.
Aim: The study explores risk factors associated with the
development of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
Design: Across-sectionalmulticenter study was conducted.
Setting and Sample: All patients matching the study selection
criteriawere recruited conveniently fromthree hospitals
in Jordan.
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and univariate analysis
was performed on the study variables. Multivariate analysis
using a special algorithm (??purposeful selection??) was
employed to explore the independent association between
a number of risk factors and pressure ulcers.
Results: Results from multivariate analysis showed that
age, moisture, decreased mobility, presence of three
chronic diseases or more, and hypoalbuminemia were
independently associated with the development of pressure
ulcers when the effect of all other variables in the
studywas statistically controlled for using logistic regression.
Conclusion: This study is the first of its kind that was
conducted in Jordan. Results from current work support
the findings of previous studies showing that certain risk
factors are associated with pressure ulcers. However, the
current work also found pressure ulcers to be associated
with a younger age (the age cohort above 40 years)
than has been reported