[Appropriateness of the use of incontinence absorbent products in hospitalized adults]. / Adecuación del uso de absorbentes de incontinencia urinaria en pacientes adultos ingresados en un hospital.

BACKGROUNDS: Improper use of incontinence absorbent products in adults can negatively affect self-esteem, quality of life and independence of the patient, as well as increase the workload and cause adverse events. There are few studies evaluating the appropriateness of diapers using validated scales for it, or the justification of nurses for its use in elderly who are hospitalized. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of diaper use in patients admitted to a hospital and to identify the criteria that determined their use and adequacy. METHOD: Observational, cross-sectional study of adult patients using diapers while admitted in Inpatient Units. For data collection cut day was held in April 2013, collecting data from nursing assessment records, patients themselves and their family. Barthel Index items were used as criteria of adequacy concerning mobility and disposal. RESULTS: 228 patients admitted. 83 (34.4%) of them had diapers and 25 (30.1%) of them had no criteria for using them. 28.8% (21) had not previously used diapers, the use of diapers in half of them was inappropriate. Factors associated with inappropriate use of diapers were older age, being female, more comorbidity and days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show the often excessive use of incontinence absorbent products without proper application, not based on validated criteria.