Prevalence of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Male Semi-Critical Care Unit at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital

Abstract

This descriptive retrospective study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) among patients admitted to the male semi-critical care unit at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital. Data were collected from the medical records of 173 patients, both male and female, admitted between March and August 2024. The samples included 151 males (87.3%) and 22 females (12.7%), with an average age of 63.6 years (S.D.=16.5, range 21–99 years). The instruments included a researcher-designed demographic questionnaire and a factor-related recording form with a content validity index (CVI) of 0.93. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and range, were employed for data analysis.

The findings revealed that the prevalence of IAD was 8.1% (14 cases). Among the male patients, the prevalence was 7.9%, while among the female patients, it was 9.1%. The samples with IAD had an average age of 56.9 years (S.D.=17.1). The average length of their hospital stay was 17.4 days (S.D.=16.8, range 1–53 days). Significant associated factors included older age, longer hospital stays, liquid stool consistency (100%), low albumin levels (<3.5 g/dL, 78.6%), low hematocrit levels (<37%, 92.9%), the use of antibiotics (100%), the use of laxatives (92.9%), enteral feeding (92.9%), and diaper usage (100%).

This study highlighted that IAD increased treatment costs and prolonged hospital stays. Early identification and management of risk factors are essential. Preventive strategies, such as proper skin care and minimizing unnecessary diaper use, could help reduce the incidence of IAD, improve patient outcomes, and lower medical expenses. Continuous monitoring and early intervention for IAD should be prioritized to alleviate the long-term healthcare burden.