Keywords

body mass index, nosocomial pressure ulcers, obesity, pressure ulcer prevalence, pressure ulcers

Authors

1. VanGilder, Catherine BS, MT, MBA
2. MacFarlane, Gordon PhD
3. Meyer, Stephanie
4. Lachenbruch, Charlie PhD

Abstract

To assess the relationships among pressure ulcer prevalence, body mass index (BMI), and weight, this report analyzed the US data from the 2006 and 2007 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence(TM) Surveys. Findings indicated an overall reduction in pressure ulcer prevalence from 2004 and 2005 to 2006 and 2007; there was a higher prevalence of pressure ulcers in patients with low BMI and patients with both low and high weights. One in 10 patients were extremely obese.