# Prevalence and Characteristics of Patients with Pressure Ulcers at a Tertiary Hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

## TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence and characteristics of pressure ulcers among hospital patients in South Africa, finding a low rate but highlighting the need for prevention.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed analysis of pressure ulcer prevalence and characteristics in a South African tertiary hospital setting.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 0.7%, lower than global and regional averages.
- Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers were more likely to result in patient death compared to those present on admission.
- The majority of pressure ulcers occurred on the sacrum, with surgical units being the most common admission location.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Pressure ulcers in hospitals reflect the nature of care provided. This study sought to describe the prevalence of pressure ulcers and patient characteristics at a large tertiary hospital in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive retrospective record review was conducted, and all records of patients with pressure ulcers were included from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020. A data abstraction instrument was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions, and pressure ulcer characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: A total of 12,777 patients were admitted, and 85 records were of adults aged 15 years and above with pressure ulcers. The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 0.7%; of these, 42.4% were hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, while 57.6% had a pressure ulcer on admission. The age group most affected by pressure ulcers was 30–49 years. Most (68.2%) patients had a pressure ulcer on the sacrum, and the majority (34.1%) were admitted to surgical units. Patients who had a hospital-acquired pressure ulcer were three times more likely to be deceased than those who had a pressure ulcer on admission. Conclusions: The prevalence of pressure ulcers was lower compared to global and regional prevalences and prevention measures should continue to be implemented at the tertiary hospital.