Prevalência de feridas no CHVNG/E

Abstract

Introduction: Wound care has been a challenge for society. Although some research on this subject has been conducted over the years, epidemiological studies about the prevalence of wounds in Portugal are scarce. Objectives: Determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients´ wounds that are hospitalized in CHVNG / E (Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center). Methodology: A descriptive - comparative and quantitative study conducted on a non-probabilistic and accidental sample of patients with wounds who were hospitalized in CHVNG/E on the 6th and 7th of December 2012. Data collection was achieved by the investigator and collaborators, through completing the questionnaire for the Epidemiological Study of Wounds (Universidade Católica Portuguesa - University). Results: The prevalence of wounds in CHVNG/E is of 39.02%. The results presented in this study pointed out that in a sample of 199 patients, 46,7% were male and 53,3% were female, with ages that vary between 1 to 96 years. It was verified that 59.8% were retired. The most prevalent risk factors are hypertension and dyslipidemia (45.2% vs 32.7%). Etiologically, the frequency is higher in surgical wounds and pressure ulcers (45.2% vs 20.6%), with the primary location in the abdomen/chest and coccyx/calcaneus (surgical wound vs pressure ulcer). Concerning the duration of the wound, this study shows an average of 26.63 days. Regarding the specific characteristics in the analysis of each wound, these have mostly epithelialization and granulation tissue; the surrounding skin is hydrated and macerated with a level of exudate "none", the average length of wound treatment is 12,12 minutes; the most prevalent frequency of wound dressing changes is twice per week, the material with therapeutic action most commonly used is the transparent film, polyacrylate, iodine, foam, gauze and saline solution. Conclusion: These results corroborate other national and international research that identified a high prevalence of wounds. This study resulted in scientific evidence that can contribute to decision making concerning the prevention and treatment of wounds, as well as support future investigations.

Date of Award	20 Nov 2014
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luís Sá (Supervisor) & Paulo Alves (Co-Supervisor)