# Predictors of Pressure Injuries in Older Residents Living in Nursing Homes in Sri Lanka: A Prospective Multi‐Site Cohort Study

## TL;DR

This study identifies that having multiple medical devices and existing pressure injuries increases the risk of new pressure injuries in older nursing home residents in Sri Lanka.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on specific predictors of pressure injuries in older residents in Sri Lankan nursing homes.

## Key findings

- The cumulative incidence of pressure injuries was 17.1% over 12 weeks.
- Each additional medical device increased the likelihood of a pressure injury by 2.3-fold.
- Residents with a baseline pressure injury were 2.1 times more likely to develop a new one.

## Abstract

To determine the predictors of pressure injuries among residents living in Sri Lankan nursing homes.

A prospective multi‐site longitudinal cohort study design.

Semi‐structured observations and chart audits were used to gather data on 17 predictors of pressure injury from a consecutive sample of 210 residents (aged ≥ 60 years old) from nine nursing homes in Sri Lanka. Data were collected at baseline and followed up every week until the study endpoint: a new pressure injury or reaching the maximum 12 weeks of data collection, from July to October 2023. Validated semi‐structured data collection forms and chart audits were utilised. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of pressure injuries. Generalised linear mixed models were used to assess the association between predictors and the development of new pressure injuries.

The cumulative incidence of pressure injuries was 17.1% (36/210) during the 12 weeks. The number of medical devices and baseline pressure injuries predicted the development of new pressure injuries. Each additional medical device increased the likelihood of developing a pressure injury by 2.3‐fold, and individuals with a baseline pressure injury were 2.1 times more likely to develop a new pressure injury.

Multiple medical devices and baseline pressure injuries are predictors of pressure injury in older residents living in nursing homes.

This study provides evidence of pressure injury predictors among older residents living in nursing homes. Early identification of high‐risk residents with an existing pressure injury and those with multiple medical devices is important for nurses and managers at nursing homes. Accurately assessing residents' risk of a pressure injury may result in implementing various preventive strategies that may ultimately help prevent future pressure injuries.

Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) for cohort studies guidelines.

No patient or public contribution.