Abstract

DE FIGUEIREDO, ZUILA MARIA et al. Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Knowledge of Relatives and Caregivers. av.enferm. [online]. 2010, vol.28, suppl.1, pp.29-38. ISSN 0121-4500.

Purpose: To assess knowledge of risk factors and prevention of pressure ulcers from the perspective of relatives and caregivers of patients with spinal cord injury at home. Method: cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study. The sample was made up by 50 people. Data were collected through a questionnaire in August and December 2008. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Windows, version 13.0. Results: We found that family caregivers have correct knowledge about its role in the prevention, 80% of cases and higher risk patients are bedridden, paraplegic and elderly (74%); patients and relatives should be counseled about the risk factors of pressure ulcers (100%); keeping the skin dry and clean prevents the onset of UP (64%). With regard to cognitive errors, these are related to the periodicity in assessing the integrity of the skin (84%) and the use of sheets in the transfer and mobilization of the patient (80%). Discussion: The high success rate on risk factors shows that families and caregivers have good knowledge: they are prepared to care, meanwhile, the high incidence of errors on pressure ulcers prevention measures shows that relatives and caregivers lack of adequate knowledge of such measures. Conclusions: Research shows that assessing the knowledge of relatives and caregivers is of the essence to implement corrective actions to suit them to take care of people with spinal cord injury

Keywords : knowledge; primary prevention; risk factors; family; caregivers; skin.

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