Risk of sacral pressure injuries in rehabilitation hospital patients: Mediation by comorbidities index scores and length of stay in hospitals and moderation by age cohort

Background and aim This study examined the relationship between hospital admission and sacral pressure injuries (SPIs) in older adult patients in rehabilitation hospitals, controlling for comorbidity index scores, length of stay (LOS), and age. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis using the 2021 Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File included 1290 patients aged 60+ with SPIs and 37,626 without. Binary logistic regression, parallel mediation and moderated mediation analysis were used to predict SPI risk. Results Hospital admission significantly increased SPI risk. LOS was positively associated with SPI risk. Patients aged 60–69 had a higher SPI risk compared to those 80 and older. Comorbidities had a minimal impact. Conclusion and implication Targeted care plans in rehabilitation hospitals should focus on younger-old patients (60–69) with hospital admissions and extended stays, as they may be at higher SPI risk compared to those aged 80 and above. Managing comorbidities remains crucial for overall quality of care.