Urinary Catheter-Related Meatal Pressure Injury Risk Factors in Male Critical Care Patients: A Prospective Repeated-Measures Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Urinary catheter-related meatal pressure injury (UCR-MPI) is a preventable and serious complication of indwelling urinary catheter use. This prospective study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of UCR-MPI in male critical care patients. METHODS A total of 138 male patients 18 years and older using an indwelling urinary catheter were included in the study. Participants’ perineal areas were assessed daily for the development of MPI. RESULTS The UCR-MPI prevalence was 26.1% (n = 36/138). Most patients (61.1%) had a grade I UCR-MPI with intact skin and mucosa and nonblanchable erythema. Urinary catheter irrigation (P = .001), lower Braden Scale scores (P = .040), lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (P = .002), higher Itaki Fall Risk Scale score (P = .040), higher dependency level (P = .027), hypoalbuminemia (P = .002), and perineal edema (P = .001) were risk factors for UCR-MPI. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of UCR-MPI was high in this sample. Providers should take preventive measures to prevent UCR-MPI in patients with a penis including early and frequent risk assessment.