Document Type : Systematic Review
Authors
1
Department of Health Services Management, School of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Scienc-es, Zabol, Iran
2
Health Services Management, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3
Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran.
4
Department of Health Services Management, School of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Scienc-es, Zabol, Iran.
5
Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran.
6
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
7
Saveh University of Medical Sciences
10.22038/ebcj.2025.88556.3147
Abstract
Background: Pressure ulcers are among the most common threats to patient safety in intensive care units (ICUs). They cause psychological stress, reduce the quality of care, and increase the costs of the health system.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the ICUs of Iranian hospitals.
Method: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in 20 December 2024. All published articles on the prevalence of pressure ulcers in Iranian hospitals were identified from 5 databases and Google Scholar search engine. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using I2 index, publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test, and Meta-regression model was used to assess the heterogeneity of variables at the 0.05 significance level. Finally, 16 articles were ana-lyzed using CMA software.
Results: Based on a random effects model, the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the ICUs of Iranian hospitals was 6.2% (3.3%-11.4%; 95% CI). The highest prevalence rate was 65.3% in Qazvin in 2015 (53.5-75.5%; 95% CI) and the lowest prevalence rate was 0.5% in Kerman in 2009 (0.2-1.1%; 95% CI) and Gilan in 2014 (0.2-1.5%; 95% CI). There was also a significant relationship between sample size, average age, and prevalence of pressure ulcers in ICU patients (P < 0.05).
Implications for practice: Pressure ulcers affect 6% of ICU patients. Therefore, it is necessary for health policy makers and managers to take action to prevent pressure ulcers in hospitals, especial-ly in ICUs.
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