Risk factors associated with pressure injuries among adults admitted to intensive care units

What is it about?

Background Pressure injuries (PIs) remain a major concern in intensive care units (ICUs), where immobility and critical illness increase vulnerability. Despite advances in prevention, gaps in practice persist. Aim To identify risk factors and characteristics of pressure injuries among adult ICU patients in Jordan and evaluate preventive measures currently in use. Methods A case-control study was conducted in the ICUs of two tertiary hospitals in Jordan. A total of 300 adult patients were included: 150 with PIs (cases) and 150 without (controls). Data were extracted from medical records using the Braden Scale and a structured risk factor tool. Results The mean age of cases was 66.0 years compared to 54.9 years among controls. Males predominated in both groups, particularly among cases (61.3%). Preventive practices were inconsistent: none had pressure-relieving mattresses, and repositioning was often reactive. Logistic regression identified significant predictors: male gender (OR=8.6), older age (OR=1.04 per year), prolonged ICU stay (OR=1.52), higher BMI (OR=1.12), mechanical ventilation (OR=22.0), oedema (OR=5.53), reduced consciousness (OR=8.41), and incontinence-associated dermatitis (OR = 9.0). Adequate preventive care reduced PI likelihood substantially (OR=31.0). Conclusions The findings emphasise the importance of integrating early, targeted interventions into routine ICU practice to minimise patient harm and improve outcomes. Implications for clinical practice Findings highlight the urgent need for standardised preventive strategies, resource allocation and adherence to evidence-based guidelines to reduce PI incidence and improve ICU patient outcomes.

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