Risk factors for bedsore development among hospitalised patients

Aim of the study
The aim of this work was the identification of chosen bedsores risk factors among patients in whom bedsores developed during hospitalisation.

Material and methods
The tests were carried in four chosen hospital wards. The tested group constituted of 95 patients among whom bedsores developed during hospitalisation, and 683 patients from the risk group among whom bedsores did not develop. The analysis underwent registers of all patients endangered with bedsore development and their medical documentation. The criterion for introducing to the test were: bedsore development risk in the Norton scale, bedsores developed during hospitalisation, and an observation period of at least five days.

Results
Among patients with bedsores there were significantly more people with hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, arteriosclerosis, limited movement condition, higher temperature, and oedema (p < 0.05). Among constant variables the significant factors protecting from bedsore development were higher concentration of protein and haemoglobin. In terms of physical and mental state, mobility, and total Norton scale points, patients with bedsores that developed during hospitalisation achieved significantly lower results (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Occurrence of concurrent diseases (hypertension, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and symptoms connected with health state (higher temperature, oedema, limited movement) significantly influenced bedsore development among patients during hospitalisation. Low laboratory parameter values (protein and haemoglobin concentration) are risk factors for bedsore development. The risk of bedsore development decreases with the increase of point parameter values assessed in the Norton scale.