Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pressure Ulcers in Wheelchair Users

Background: Wheelchair users are particularly susceptible to pressure ulcers (PU) due to spending a prolonged amount of time sitting. The prevalence of PUs among this group is therefore a particularly pertinent issue as the... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Wheelchair users are particularly susceptible to pressure ulcers (PU) due to spending a prolonged amount of time sitting. The prevalence of PUs among this group is therefore a particularly pertinent issue as the number of wheelchair users has risen in recent years. Despite this increase the author has found limited research into the prevalence of PUs in wheelchair users.

Aim: The purpose of this literature review is to explore the prevalence and risk factors of pressure ulcers in wheelchair users.

Method: Using the databases CINAHL, SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of Knowledge, key search terms were used to find relevant articles. Twenty five articles were included in this literature review; 16 cross sectional studies, 1 case control study, 3 retrospective cohort studies, 3 prospective cohort studies, 1 longitudinal study and 1 secondary analysis of data in a previously conducted randomized control trial.

Results: The main themes that emerged from the literature were; prevalence of wheelchair users, risk factors of pressure ulcers in wheelchair users and the prevalence of pressure ulcers in wheelchair users. The prevalence of PU rates among wheelchair users range from 8.1%-85.7%.

Conclusion: The prevalence of pressure ulcers among wheelchair users varies depending on the study methodology and patient populations. It is, therefore, difficult to establish the exact prevalence of PUs among wheelchair users as there are no comparable populations between the studies. There is also no way to establish PU prevalence rates among the different levels of wheelchair users (long-term full time; long-term occasional and short-term temporary users) given that the studies don’t specify the participant’s dependence on this mobility device.