Abstract
Objective: To measure the prevalence rate of pressure ulcers (PUs) among hospitalised patients and to assess the adequacy of preventative care provided to patients at-risk for PUs. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by inspecting the skin of each patient included; if a PU was noted, it was classified according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel grading system. Risk was assessed using the Braden scale and the use of preventative interventions was also documented. Results: The sample included was 295 patients; mean age of the patients was 49.1 ± 18.6 years (range 18-87 years) and 55% (n=162) were male. The prevalence rate was 16% (8.8% excluding category I). Category I was the most common grade of PU (n=22; 46%). The heels were the most commonly affected sites (n=23; 49%). Only 19% of patients in need of prevention actually received proper adequate prevention. Conclusion: PU prevalence rate was lower than published rates in studies that employed the same method. The young age and general health of our sample could be the best explanation. A very small percentage of at-risk patients receive adequate prevention. This should open the door to scrutinising the provision of PU prevention in Jordan. 38 references