Turkish Adaptation and Validity- Reliability Study of the Waterlow Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale

Aim: This study was conducted to adapt Waterlow Pressure Ulcer Risk Assesment Scale (W-PURAS) into Turkish and to determine its validity and reliability. Material and Methods: In this methodological research, adaptation of the scale into Turkish was performed in two stages. At the first stage, language validity has been carried out, and at the second stage, validity and reliability study has been completed. The validity of W-PURAS was performed between January 1-31, 2011 by consulting seven expert nurses from faculty of health sciences nursing department (3), faculty of medicine (2) and clinics (2). Reliability study of W-PURAS has been carried out on 150 patients with concordance among independent observers between 1 February-15 May, 2011. Results: W-PURAS’s intraclass correlation coefficient has been found as 0.95. Reliability levels for sub-dimensions of W-PURAS have been; 91% for Body-Mass Index, 69.5% for Skin Type/Visual Risk Areas, 100% for Sex-Age, 71%-%87 for Malnutrition Screening Tool, 92% for Continence, 84% for Mobility; 74% for Tissue Malnutrition; 90% for Neurological Deficit; 90% for Major Surgery or Trauma and 71% for Medication. Conclusion: Turkish version of the scale is valid and reliable.