Prevalence and Clinical Features of Pressure Ulcers in Patients Receiving Home Health Care Services in the City of Kocaeli

Background and Design: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of pressure ulcers and to investigate the clinical features of ulcers and associated factors in patients receiving home health care in the City of Kocaeli. Material and Method: A total of 420 patients, who received home health care by Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality between August and October 2007, were included in this study. Each patient who had pressure ulcers during this period was assessed from the standpoint of accompanying diseases, nutritional and socioeconomic status, personal cleanliness, existence of incontinence and other factors. In addition, localization, number and clinical stage according to the depth of pressure ulcers were recorded. Results: The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 23.8%. The mean age of the patients was 68 (range: 11- 100) years. Of the patients with pressure ulcers, 49% had cerebrovascular accident and 14% had past history of trauma. Pressure ulcers were found mainly in the sacral region (mean, 72%) and were most commonly in stage 2 (mean, 33%). Conclusion: We determined that the prevalence of pressure ulcers was 23.8%. In our study, similar to other studies, it was observed that decubitus ulcers are still a frequently seen health problem in bedfast and needy patients, even though their occurrence can be prevented by some simple measures. (Turkderm 2010; 44: 128-31)