Prevalence and Nursing Management of Pressure Ulcers Among Bedridden Patients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Background: Pressure ulcers represent a major nursing-sensitive indicator of care quality, with bedridden patients in Nigerian hospitals facing heightened risk due to understaffing and resource constraints. This study examined the prevalence of pressure ulcers and evaluated nursing management strategies at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, North West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive survey design was employed. Eighty bedridden patients and sixty nurses were recruited through purposive and stratified random sampling respectively. Data were obtained via structured questionnaires and medical record reviews, then analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 34.5% among bedridden patients. Nursing management practices, including repositioning schedules and use of pressure-relieving devices, were inconsistently implemented. Only 38% of nurses reported receiving formal training on wound care within the preceding two years. Inadequate mattress supplies and nurse workload were cited as principal barriers. Conclusion: High ulcer prevalence reflects systemic nursing care deficiencies. The study recommends nurse-targeted wound care education, procurement of specialised mattresses, and enforcement of documented repositioning protocols to reduce hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Keywords: pressure ulcers, bedridden patients, nursing management, Zaria, hospital-acquired injuries.