EVALUATION OF PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTION PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG NURSING STAFF CARING FOR BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcers are preventable healthcare-associated injuries commonly seen among bedridden patients and are closely linked with quality of nursing care. Objective: To evaluate pressure ulcer prevention practices and associated factors among nursing staff caring for bedridden patients. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 190 nursing staff members directly involved in the care of bedridden patients. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, professional experience, previous training, workplace factors, resource availability, and pressure ulcer prevention practices. Practice scores were categorized as good or poor. Results: The mean age of participants was 31.8 ± 6.7 years, and mean clinical experience was 7.4 ± 4.8 years. Overall, 134 (70.5%) nurses demonstrated good pressure ulcer prevention practices, while 56 (29.5%) had poor practice scores. Routine skin assessment was reported by 156 (82.1%) nurses, regular repositioning by 149 (78.4%), and Braden Scale use by 104 (54.7%). Good practices were significantly associated with greater clinical experience (8.6 ± 4.7 vs. 4.8 ± 3.6 years; p<0.001), previous training (73.9% vs. 32.1%; p<0.001), and favorable nurse-to-patient ratio ≤1:5 (53.0% vs. 19.6%; p<0.001). Previous training, experience >5 years, higher qualification, ICU/HDU employment, adequate staffing, and availability of pressure-relieving devices were independent predictors of good practice. Conclusion: Most nursing staff demonstrated good pressure ulcer prevention practices, but gaps remained in formal risk assessment and nutritional evaluation. Regular training, adequate staffing, and resource availability are essential to strengthen pressure ulcer prevention among bedridden patients.