Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This work sought to determine the factors associated with the development of skin lesions among patients hospitalized and admitted to a preventive skin care program carried out by nursing. METHODS: Analytical observational study of cases and controls, which included a sample of 150 cases and 300 controls hospitalized in a clinic with tier IV level of complexity in Bogotá (Colombia). A classification and regression tree was developed to explore the complex interactions that define cases and controls. RESULTS: According to the decision tree, the factors that represent greater probability for the development of skin lesions in the study population were the preventive use of hydrocolloid dressings, hospital stay > 12 days, BMI > 23, incontinence, diagnosis upon admission related with cardiovascular problems and peripheral vascular disease, cancer, surgery, or respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: Development of skin lesions was related with the interaction of different clinical conditions presented by the patients. Integration of this knowledge is essential for structuring preventive care programs in high-complexity hospitals and in formulating individualized care plans.