Epidemiology of pressure sores in different populations.

The data available regarding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers suggest that they are a serious public health problem in the United States, particularly among the elderly. Factors that are associated with increased risk of pressure ulcer development are being defined in different populations. Future studies need to include clear-cut definitions of pressure ulcers that permit lesions of varying severity to be distinguished. Such research should ultimately facilitate the development of more effective prevention strategies for patients at highest risk.