ABSTRACT
Background: Pressure ulcers are considered to be a major health problem both in acute and community settings. Numerous studies have explored risk factors related to the development of pressure ulcers but not in a relatively younger population as in Jordan.
Aim: The study explores risk factors associated with the development of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
Design: A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted.
Setting and Sample: All patients matching the study selection criteria were recruited conveniently from three hospitals in Jordan.
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed on the study variables. Multivariate analysis using a special algorithm ("purposeful selection") was employed to explore the independent association between a number of risk factors and pressure ulcers.
Results: Results from multivariate analysis showed that age, moisture, decreased mobility, presence of three chronic diseases or more, and hypoalbuminemia were independently associated with the development of pressure ulcers when the effect of all other variables in the study was statistically controlled for using logistic regression.
Conclusion: This study is the first of its kind that was conducted in Jordan. Results from current work support the findings of previous studies showing that certain risk factors are associated with pressure ulcers. However, the current work also found pressure ulcers to be associated with a younger age (the age cohort above 40 years) than has been reported.