Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2026, 17(2):2419-2429 | DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0005

Development of pressure ulcers depending on age, body mass index, body fat, mobility and diabetes mellitus in overweight or obese patients older than 65 years hospitalised in an internal department: a longitudinal study

Aneta Hujová1, Miroslav Kopecký2
1 Science and Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
2 Department of Preclinical Subjects, Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic

Aim: A longitudinal study aimed at evaluating the influences of age, body mass index, percentage of body fat, mobility and Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the development and progression of pressure ulcers in hospitalized overweight and obese patients older than 65 years.

Design: A longitudinal cohort study.

Methods: The study involved 86 men and 64 women. Patients were examined in three phases: upon admission to hospital, upon discharge, and 10–12 weeks after hospitalization. In each phase of the survey, the patients underwent anthropometry, and the occurrence and stage of pressure ulcers, mobility and the presence of diabetes mellitus were evaluated.

Results: In phase 1 of measurement, there were 39.33% overweight patients and 60.67% obese patients; in phase 3, there were 34.67% overweight patients and 65.33% obese patients. The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 36.7%. Immobility was the strongest predictor of pressure ulcer development. Age significantly increased the risk of pressure ulcer development, especially in women. The presence of diabetes was not connected with a higher occurrence of pressure ulcers, but diabetics had more severe stages of pressure ulcers. The body mass index, percentage of body fat, and length of hospitalization were not significant predictors.

Conclusion: Limited mobility and higher age are key risk factors for the formation of pressure ulcers in overweight and obese older adults. Diabetes mellitus does not influence the frequency of formation but is associated with progression and worse healing of pressure ulcers. Preventive care should emphasize mobilization and an individualized approach to repositioning at-risk patients.

Keywords: body mass index, diabetes mellitus, mobility, older adults, pressure ulcers

Received: September 5, 2025; Revised: January 28, 2026; Accepted: January 28, 2026; Published: June 5, 2026  Show citation

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Hujová A, Kopecký M. Development of pressure ulcers depending on age, body mass index, body fat, mobility and diabetes mellitus in overweight or obese patients older than 65 years hospitalised in an internal department: a longitudinal study. Central European Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2026;17(2):2419-2429. doi: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0005.
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