Identification of Risk and Associated Factors of Pressure Ulcer among Hospitalized Patients in Karachi

Background: Pressure ulcers are a common health problem and are considered a burden on the health care system. They manifest negative impacts on patients, such as creating discomfort, pain, prolonged hospital stays, and sometimes additional treatment such as wound debridement and daily wound dressing. Aim: Identify the risk and associated factors of pressure ulcer development among hospitalized surgical and medical patients in Civil Hospital and Ziauddin Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over one year, involving 454 hospitalized patients from neurosurgery, neuro-medicine, and orthopedic departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, special protocols, preventive devices, remedies, and Braden and Norton scales. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for data analysis. Results: The study found that Improved sensory perception, nutrition, physical, and mental conditions significantly reduced pressure ulcer risk, with sensory perception being most protective in neurosurgery (Odds ratio (OR)=0.213). Moisture, friction, and incontinence were not significantly associated. Males had a 1.41 times higher risk than females. Risk increased with age (OR=1.225), longer hospital stays (OR=1.552), and higher body mass index (BMI, marginally significant, OR=1.042). Special protocols showed a protective trend (OR=0.783) but were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study found that key risk factors for pressure ulcer development included impaired sensory perception, mobility, activity, poor nutrition, and compromised physical and mental health. Moisture and incontinence were not significant. Gender, age, BMI, special protocols, and hospital stay length were associated factors.