Observed every November, World Wide Pressure Injury Prevention Day raises awareness about the severe impact of pressure injuries (PIs) and emphasizes the importance of prevention. This year, Kalogon is highlighting findings from its Inaugural Seating & Sitting Survey to contribute to this global conversation.
Conducted in late 2023, the survey gathered responses from over 1,300 individuals, including the general U.S. population and wheelchair users, to explore their experiences with sitting, comfort, and pressure injuries. The results are a call to action: pressure injuries affect 2.5 million people annually in the U.S., causing 60,000 deaths and costing up to $151,700 per injury. Among wheelchair users, 51% reported having experienced a PI, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and better support for prolonged sitting (Figure 1.)
Key insights include:
Prevalence of Pressure Injuries: 13% of the general population and half of wheelchair users reported PIs.
Demographics Matter: Urban residents, younger adults (25–44), and men showed higher prevalence rates.
Pain Awareness: Individuals with PIs often report greater discomfort, reflecting heightened sensitivity to their condition.
PIs can develop from prolonged pressure that limits blood flow, particularly in areas over bony prominences like the sacrum and coccyx. These injuries are preventable with better seating solutions, increased education, and early intervention.
World Wide Pressure Injury Prevention Day serves as a reminder of the critical need for global efforts to address this issue. Kalogon’s survey reinforces the importance of understanding diverse seating needs and identifying at-risk populations to improve prevention strategies.
Together, we can work towards a world with fewer pressure injuries. For more insights and solutions, visit https://www.kalogon.com/research
References:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, AHRQ (2014). Preventing pressure ulcers in hospitals.
Agrawal, K., & Chauhan, N. (2012). Pressure ulcers: Back to the basics. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 45(02), 244–254.
Zulkowski, D.N.S., RN, D. K. (2015, March). Wound Classification Webinar. Washington, D.C.; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Kalogon. Inaugural Seating & Sitting Survey. (2024, January).
Saunders, L. L., Krause, J. S., Peters, B. A., & Reed, K. S. (2010b). The relationship of pressure ulcers, race, and socioeconomic conditions after spinal cord injury. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 33(4), 387–395.
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance. Birmingham, AL: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2023