Risk factors for skin tears in the older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background A skin tear is a traumatic wound caused by mechanical forces, including removal of adhesives and patient handling, the depth of which may vary (not extending through the subcutaneous layer). With the global trend of an aging population, it has become a problem that requires great attention in clinical care. Previous studies have investigated the risk factors for ST in older adults (e.g., age, history of ST, malnutrition, etc.). However, the results of the studies varied widely, and the correlation coefficients of the results of different studies were also very different. To identify risk factors for the occurrence of ST in the old adults. Methods We searched the following Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, CINAHLA, Scopus, China Biomedical Database, Wanfang Database, and CNKI, VIP Database) to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of ST in the older adults related literature. The meta-analysis was conducted using Rev. Man 5.4. Results A total of 10 articles ( n = 6,206) were included in this analysis. The following risk factors were found to be significantly associated with ST in older adults: male sex (OR = 2.44, 95% CI [1.58, 3.78], p < 0.0001), having an Increased pressure ulcer risk (OR = 2.96, 95% CI [1.30, 6.74], p = 0.01), history of skin tears (OR = 9.34, 95% CI [1.52, 57.40], p = 0.02), and purpura (OR = 3.31, 95% CI [2.16, 5.07], p < 0.001). Conclusion Many risk factors are associated with ST in the older adults. Nursing staff should emphasize the assessment of ST and improve prevention and care for those at risk. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023479139 .