Frequency of bed-sore and it's relating factors in hospitalized surgical, medical and orthopedic patients in hospitals of Shiraz, 1999-2000

Background and Bed sore is one of the most important problems in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of bed sore and it’s relating factors in hospitalized patients of internal, surgical and orthopedic wards of university hospitals in Shiraz in 1999-2000. In this descriptive study, 602 hospitalized patients were selected and interviewed for their demographic status and risk factors. Patients skins were examined for signs of bed sore and data were recorded in an observation form. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Paired T Tests and One-Way Analysis of Variance. Frequency of bed sore was 19.1% in research sample and second degree bed- sores were most common. Higher frequency of bed sore was seen in internal wards and lower frequency in general surgical wards(28.6% vs 12.9%, p<0.001). 81.7% of bed sores were developed in sacral regions. Bed sore had a significant relationship with skin wetness, urine status, consciousness level, mobility, change position, nutritional and health status. History of heart failure, Albumin, hematocrit and hemoglobin level, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure had significant relationship with bed sore (p<0.000 in all cases). Considering the high frequency of bed-sores and importance of it’s prevention, applying appropriate criteria for predicting bed- sore and preventive interventions are suggested.