Abstract:
In old age, the incidence of pressure ulcers (UPs) increases a lot, due to the presence of several risk factors. Understanding its etiology is essential for its prevention. This study arises from the author's need to identify the factors involved and which determine the development of UPs. It also evaluates the effect of UPs in the perception of quality of life.
Objective:
To determine the specific contribution of each item of the scale of Braden in the prediction of the development of UPs; to explore the hypothesis that the absence of UPs is associated with one better perception of quality of life; and to identify what predisponent risk factors and conditions are present in elderly people with Ups.
Materials and methods:
Observational study on 40 institutionalized elderly (divided in 2 groups: 12 with and 28 without UPs) for comparison of the perception of the quality of life and risk factors. Measures: anthropometric ones, corporal composition, blood analyses, perception of the quality of life, scale of Braden.
Results:
It was possible to conclude that a sick person with nutritional alterations is 4.5 times more probable to have UPs and to present alterations in mobility (probability is about three times higher). From the analyzed health conditions, blood alterations were established, mainly glucose and albumen. As for corporal composition, the state of hydration presented higher statistical significance. The quality of life among those elderly is low as a whole, being higher among men (25.6±11) and in the group of elderly without UPs (27±10).
Conclusion:
A simplified 3-item scale (mobility, nutrition and activity) is more associated with the risk of development of UP than the classics scale of Braden.
Key words:
Aged; Pressure Ulcer /etiology; Risk Factors; Primary Prevention; Quality of Life; Institutionalization