A Retrospective Study of the Prevalence of Pressure Sores: the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Experience
Keywords:
pressure sore, occurrence, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.Abstract
Background: Bed sores occur when there is friction or unrelieved pressure on the soft tissue skin, subcutaneous, muscle against a hard surface or against a bony prominence. It produces as a secondary medical condition; a problematic wound prolonging patients duration of hospitalization with its attendant morbidity and mortality and a huge financial burden. It is a global challenge that this study will aid its early identification, prevention and treatment reducing its morbidity and mortality and financial costs.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and impact of pressure sores in patients admitted to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Methods: The data were obtained retrospectively from 65 patients’ record at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, spanning from 2014 to 2019. The age ranges between 14 to 95 years. The data was analysed and results presented as frequency tables and pictures.
Results: The results showed pressure sore occurrence in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt with more cases in Pott’s Disease of the spine (TB), (27.45%) followed by Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) (19.61%) and Sickle cell Disease (SCD) (17.65%). Pressure sores occurring at sacral and trochanteric sites were mostly wounds from SCD, Pott’s and CVA. Sacral pressure sore site was the most predominant with percentage frequency of 75%. This was followed by trochanteric pressure sore site with a frequency of 12.5%. Pressure sore development is aggravated by several factors such as poor nutrition, incontinence with persistent soilage and moisture, dementia, paralysis, friction and shear forces. Prolong stay in a particular position and age are real contributory factors.
Conclusion: Pressure sores are common and measures should be taken to quickly detect and prevent pressure sore as it has huge financial burden and prolonged hospital stay and its attendant nosocomial infection.
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