1.1 Introduction
Pressure sores occur where there is pressure on the skin from a bed, wheelchair, cast, splint, poorly fitting artificial (prosthetic) device, or other object. The most common places pressure sores occur are where bone is close to the skin, such as over the hip bones, tailbone, heels, ankles, and elbows, but they can occur anywhere (Msdmanuals, 2021). The prevention and management of pressure injuries continues to be a concern in the Canadian health-care system. An integrated approach focused on prevention is required across all areas of the health-care system to make a significant difference in incidence rates. For optimal effectiveness, interdisciplinary teams need to be integrated to include the person at risk of or with a pressure injury along with their families and departments such as purchasing and housekeeping (Black et al., 2011).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Pressure Sores is a worldwide health concern that contributes to mortality among bedridden patients, when present, can cause chronic, infected and hard to treat wounds. Patients with pressure sores have a greater mortality risk and complications such as pain, delayed healing, septicemia and longer hospital stay. Pressure sores occur most frequently in older people because their skin may be thinner and may heal more slowly. The sores often develop in people after they have been hospitalized for a different medical problem that limits their ability to move or shift around. Pressure sores can occur in people of any age who are confined to bed or a chair, or who are unable to reposition themselves. People who have nerve damage or paralysis have a higher risk of developing pressure sores. They can also develop in children who have severe neurologic impairments that make them less able to move such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury (Msdmanuals, 2021).
Prevention of pressure sores in hospitalized patients is the responsibility of nurses. Pressure Sores as worldwide health problem contribute to morbidity and mortality rate among all age group, especially patients at high risk such as elderly, physically impaired, bedridden and those with neurological deficits (Bauer et al., 2008). Recent studies confirm that patients with have mortality risk up to six folds greater than patient without. Also, between 6 - 8.6% of all injured patients die as a result of its complication such as septicemia, pain, and delayed healing (Dilie et al., 2015 and Uba et al., 2015).
Patients requiring long-term hospitalization and in rehabilitation facilities have a high potential for the development of Pressure Sores. Universally, maintaining skin integrity and preventing bed sores have traditionally been a nursing responsibility (Barker et al., 2013). The presence of in hospitalized patients has been identified as a measure of quality in healthcare (Beeckman et al., 2011 and Kaddourah et al., 2016). However, if unrecognized and left untreated, can deteriorate into deep, hard-to-treat, chronic wounds that undermine the patient's health and quality of life (Barker et al., 2013). Even when healed, ulcers will attain only 80 present of the skin’s original strength making the area vulnerable to re-injury (Grey et al., 2006). Extensive or slow-to-heal are also prone to infection as they develop (Sving et al., 2012). In addition to the physical complications of , there are substantial economic burdens as well (Demarré et al., 2015 and Nguyen et al., 2015). Similarly, occurrence of in hospitalized patients has been linked with the length of stay, which indicates higher costs for management (Joseph et al., 2013).
Therefore, in Enugu State where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses towards Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Sores in Hospitalized Patients.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed inadequate nutrition increases the risk of developing pressure sores and slows the healing process of sores that do develop. Undernourished people may not have enough body fat to cushion the tissue. Also, the skin heals poorly if people are undernourished, particularly if they are deficient in protein, vitamin C, or zinc.
Pressure sores are areas of localized injury to the skin, underlying tissue or both, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or in combination with shear. They are common problem in health care and represent a significant burden on patients, their relatives and caregivers. Pressure Sores as worldwide health problem contribute to morbidity and mortality rate among all age group, especially patients at high risk such as elderly, physically impaired, bedridden and those with neurological deficits (Bauer et al., 2008).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to ascertain the Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses towards Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Sores in Hospitalized Patients. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards pressure sores prevention.
- To measure the public knowledge and identify their attitudes and practices on medication use and safety towards the treatment of Pressure Sores
- To identify the difference in demographic characteristics between participants interviewed manually and electronically about the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Sores in Hospitalized Patients.
