National pressure ulcer prevalence survey

Adv Wound Care. 1994 May;7(3):27-30, 34, 36-8.

Abstract

In the 1993 survey, the prevalence of pressure ulcers was 11.1% in 177 hospitals. This is higher than the 9.2 prevalence rate Meehan found in 1989. The sacrum, with 38% (n = 2,168) of all reported ulcers, remains the most common site for pressure ulcer occurrence. Non-reactive hyperemia sites, Stage I, were responsible for most reported ulcers, at 46.95% (n = 2,839), while Stage II ulcers comprised 32.66% (n = 1,975). Patients between the ages of 70 and 89 years of age had 54% of the ulcers found. The average number of ulcers per patient was 1.73. Dark-skinned, African-American patients again were found to have the majority of Stage IV ulcers. There were 1,024 ulcers reported in this stage group, and of these, they had 16% (n = 164). Of patients with ulcers, 22% were on some form of air or foam overlay support system; however, standard mattresses and mattress replacements were used for 31% of all patients with pressure ulcers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Beds / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Inpatients*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Pressure Ulcer / classification
  • Pressure Ulcer / epidemiology*
  • Pressure Ulcer / etiology
  • Pressure Ulcer / prevention & control
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • United States / epidemiology