Factors affecting the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers in COVID-19 patients admitted with a Braden scale below 14 in the intensive care unit: Retrospective cohort study.

The pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly increased the admission of patients with extensive complications, especially for respiratory support, to intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. These patients also suffer from pressure ulcers (PUs) as another complication that occurs due to increased length of hospitalisation and acute conditions of patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of PU and the factors affecting it in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs. This cohort retrospective study used registry data in Imam Reza Hospital located in west of Iran. Four hundred and forty-five COVID-19 patients older than 20 years hospitalised in corona ICUs from 20 March 2020 to 30 December 2020, with a Braden score of less than 14 were included in the study. To investigate the relationship between variables in rate prevalence, univariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratio, and for incidence rate in estimating PU risk generated in ICUs, hazard ratio was calculated using cox regression. One hundred and eighty-three (41.12%) patients were male. The mean age of patients was 63 (SD = ±9.78) years. A total of 1152 cases of PU were generated, with the highest prevalence of PU with 234 cases in the sacrum. One hundred and seventy-six (55.87%) patients underwent non-invasive ventilation ulcers. The prevalence of PU was 79.7%. The highest prevalence was found in people over 80 years with 90.67%. The incidence ratio was 46.74%. The highest number of new cases was seen in diabetic patients with 60.96%. First-degree ulcers were the most common degree of ulceration in 252 (55.38%) patients. Incidence and prevalence excluding first-degree wounds were 24.04% and 49.66%, respectively. Age, Braden score, BMI, comorbidity, diabetes mellitus, stool incontinence, Glasgow coma scale, vasopressor, and length of hospital stay were significantly associated with PU (P < .05). The incidence and prevalence of PU in patients were high in this study. The length of hospitalisation and Braden score were the most important factors in the development of PU. The widespread prevalence of COVID-19 and the relatively long stay of patients in the ICU created unfavourable conditions for patients and the treatment system, therefore, it emphasised the use of appropriate measures to prevent PU to avoid double costs and longer stays.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Aloe Vera Gel, Olive Oil, and Compound Aloe Vera Gel-Olive Oil on Prevention of Pressure Ulcer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: One of the most common problems in the intensive care units (ICUs) is pressure ulcers (PUs). The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aloe vera gel, olive oil, and compound aloe vera gel-olive oil in the prevention of PUs. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 240 patients. They were randomly divided into four groups, aloe vera gel (n = 60), olive oil (n = 60), aloe vera gel-olive oil combination (n = 60), and control (n = 60). Braden scale and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel scale were used to collect data. The intervention was performed for 30 days. In the intervention and control groups, the patient received routine care. In each intervention group, 10-15 ml of olive oil or aloe vera gel or a combination of olive oil and aloe vera was rubbed into body areas under pressure. Results: There were no PUs detected in all groups before the intervention; after the intervention, 12 patients in the olive group, 20 patients in the aloe vera group, 10 patients in the aloe vera-olive combination group, and 22 patients in the control group developed PUs. The results reported 40% of the patients with stage 1 PU and 10% of them with stage 2. Conclusion: Due to the effectiveness of olive oil and aloe vera-olive oil combination in preventing PU, it is recommended to use these herbal compounds in preventing PU on ICU patients.

Comparison of attitude of nurses and nursing students toward euthanasia.

BACKGROUND: Euthanasia is a controversial issue in many countries. However, there is little evidence about attitudes of nurses and nursing students toward euthanasia. RESEARCH AIMS: The present study aimed to compare nurses and nursing students' attitudes toward euthanasia. RESEARCH DESIGN: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT: Using census sampling, 390 nurses and 125 nursing students were enrolled in this study. METHODS: Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and Euthanasia Attitude Scale that included 20 items that sought to record participants' level of agreement with euthanasia based on a Likert-type scale. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Objectives of the study were stated for all samples, and emphasized the confidentiality of their specifics and responses, and informed written consent was obtained from all participants. FINDINGS: The mean score of nurses and nursing students' attitudes about euthanasia was 3.14 ± 0.26 and 3.22 ± 0.24 out of 5, respectively. The majority of nurses (n = 250, 65.78%) and nursing students (n = 97, 80.83%) had a positive attitude toward euthanasia. There was a significant statistical difference between the attitudes of nurses and nursing students to euthanasia (p = .005). DISCUSSION: The results indicated that the majority of students and nurses had a positive attitude regarding euthanasia. CONCLUSION: It was recommended to conduct more studies on euthanasia in Iran.

Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy with Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils on Fatigue of Cardiac Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 105 cardiac patients. They were randomly divided into three groups: peppermint essential oil (n = 35), lavender essential oil (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to collect data. The intervention was performed for 7 nights. Before and after the intervention, the questionnaire was completed by all patients. In each intervention group, patients inhaled 3 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oils. In the control group, patients inhaled 3 drops of aromatic placebo. RESULTS: The results showed the average fatigue decreased in the study groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of lavender and peppermint in terms of mean fatigue after the intervention. However, there was a statistically significant difference between lavender and control groups (P < 0.001), as well as peppermint and control groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender essential oils can reduce the fatigue of cardiac patients, so the use of these fragrances is recommended.