The relationship between malnutrition parameters and pressure ulcers in hospitals and nursing homes

ObjectivesPressure ulcers (PU) remain a major health care problem throughout the world. Although malnutrition is considered to be one of the intrinsic risk factors for PU, more evidence is needed to identify the exact relation between PU and malnutrition. This study aims to identify whether there exists a relationship between PU and malnutrition in hospitals and nursing homes.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in April 2007 in hospitals and nursing homes in Germany. PU were assessed using the Braden scale. Malnutrition was assessed by low body mass index (BMI), undesired weight loss, and insufficient nutritional intake.ResultsTwo thousand three hundred ninety-three patients from 29 nursing homes and 4067 patients from 22 hospitals participated in the study. PU in both hospital and nursing home patients were significantly (P < 0.01) related to undesired weight loss (5%–10%). Moreover low nutritional intake and low BMI (<18.5) were also significantly related to PU in hospitals and nursing homes.ConclusionThere is a significant relationship between malnutrition parameters like undesired weight loss, BMI < 18.5, and low nutritional intake and PU.