DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i02.043

Pages: 644-649

Background: Pressure ulcer (Pressure sore or Bed sore) is a localised injury to integrity of skin and underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence resulting due to impairment of blood flow, due to mechanical stress to the tissues for prolonged period. Other important cause is the shear force, a horizontal force parallel to skin which makes the upper layer of skin to move on deeper layer [1, 2]. In Orthopaedics peri-operative patients, spinal injury patients and other non-ambulatory patients are particularly prone for pressure ulcers. Areas commonly involved are lower back, sacrum, ischial tuberosity, greater trochanter, heel and ankle. [1, 3, 4] Pressure ulcers are avoidable and represent the failure of inpatient management. The present study is aimed to evaluate awareness about prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers among under graduate medical college students. Material and Methods: A pre-validated questionnaire has been used to interview 148 students out of 152 students of IXth semester of a private medical college of South India. The questionnaire was structured to evaluate awareness and knowledge regarding prevention and treatment of pressure sores. Results: 91.21% students defined pressure ulcer as localized injury to skin and underlying tissues usually over bony prominences resulting due to prolonged pressure which occludes the blood supply to that area. 66.21% knew that most pressure ulcers can be avoided. 59.45% students knew that pressure ulcers are difficult to resolve hence, prevention is having more priority. 82.43% students were aware that pressure ulcer scar will break down faster than unwounded skin. Conclusion: Health care professionals must be educated to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. Students must gain knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment to provide safe patient care regarding skin integrity.