Knowledge, Beliefs and Practices of Caregivers Regarding Home Based Bedsore Care in Chandigarh, North India

JOURNAL TITLE: Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Education and Research

Author
1. Upasana Sharma
ISSN
2277-8969
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10028-1071
Volume
47
Issue
3
Publishing Year
2013
Pages
6
  • Article keywords

    Abstract

    Background

    Bedsores are quite frequent in bedridden cases. Caregivers have an important role in the management of such cases.

    Objectives

    To assess the knowledge, beliefs and practices of caregivers regarding bedsore care practices and management.

    Materials and methods

    A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chandigarh from September to November 2011. Caregivers were interviewed about the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding care of bedridden patients and their problems like bedsores.

    Results

    Data was collected from 42 bedridden cases (22 males and 20 females). Age was 18 to 90 years. Bedsores were found in 10 bedridden cases. Most common underlying diagnosis was neurological disease in 24 cases. Twenty-nine patients consulted government hospitals. Earlier episode of bedsore was experienced in about 14 cases. In 24 cases bed sheet was changed daily. In 11 cases, for more than two times patient had to wait for more than half an hour if urine/stools were passed in bed. In six cases unqualified practitioners were also consulted. Thirty-seven of them complied with the physician's advice. Seventeen of the caregivers were aware of the warning signs of development of bedsores. Exercises were not performed in 26 cases. Different dressing regimes were reported viz til oil, desi ghee, platelet ointment, paraffin wax, etc.

    Conclusion

    Quality of care of bedridden was not good. There is a need for formal training for the caregivers as most of them were untrained. Evaluation of various dressing regimes for bedsores is needed.

    How to cite this article

    Sharma U, Kaur S, Singh A. Knowledge, Beliefs and Practices of Caregivers Regarding Home Based Bedsore Care in Chandigarh, North India. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(3):138-143.

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