Pressure ulcers impose a significant burden not only on the patient but on the entire health care system Knowledge of factors contributing to their pathogenesis allows the identification of risk factors such that preventive measures may then be targeted. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of pressure ulcers in Sahloul University Hospital of and identify the risk factors.

We carried out a longitudinal study in the departments of Anaesthesia-Resuscitation, Internal Medicine, and Burn Surgery department of Sahloul University Hospital during 3 months from October the 1st until December 31st, 2015.

Overall, 150 patients were eligible. The mean age was 46.1±20.2 years. The sex ratio was 1.94. Twenty-nine patients had pressure ulcers. The incidence was 19.3% (95% CI: [13–25.3]). In addition, 56 episodes of pressure ulcers were observed in these patients (37%, 95% CI: [29.3–44.7]). The most frequent locations were the heels and buttocks. Polytrauma (P=0.048) and Coma (P<10⁻³) were the independent risk factors for pressure ulcer occurrence. Regarding the assessment of different pressure screening scores, Braden had the best sensitivity and specificity.

Our results highlight of the problem of pressure ulcers in our hospital. The prevention of this complication requires a management of patients with trauma and coma.