Are individuals with poor nutrition susceptible to bed sores?

Yes.  Individuals who have a low body mass (BMI) are particularly susceptible to bed sores due to their overall weakened condition and the increased pressure over bony prominences (hips, back, elbows, heels, ect.)  In a study of 484 elderly patients with an average age of 79-years-old, 16.7% of the individuals developed bed sores in a long-term setting.

When focusing on the individuals who developed bed sores, 39.5% were determined to be malnourished according to their BMI, compared with just 2.5% of people who were determined to be well nourished.

Consequently, establishing good nutrition in long-term settings is one of the most important areas to concentrate in to prevent development of bed sores.

Source:

“Nutrition Status and Pressure Ulcer: What We Need for Nutrition Screening”, Journal of Parental and Enteral Nutrition, Vol. 31, No. 4, 288-294 (2007) Authored by Susanne Hegstermann, Andreas Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thiessen, M.D., Ph.D. and Raid-Joachim Schulz, M.D., Ph.D.