Aloe vera gel versus olive oil for the prevention of pressure ulcers among bedridden patients

ISRCTN ISRCTN15691944
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15691944
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) Nil known
Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) Nil known
Protocol serial number Nil known
Sponsor Desh Bhagat University
Funder Investigator initiated and funded
Submission date
16/07/2023
Registration date
07/08/2023
Last edited
08/03/2024
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
This study aimed to compare the effects of aloe vera gel and olive oil in preventing pressure ulcers among bedridden individuals admitted in orthopaedic wards. Pressure ulcers are a prevalent issue in hospitals, leading to increased nursing care needs. Prior research suggests that aloe vera gel and olive oil can treat pressure ulcers by reducing bacterial presence and preserving skin integrity, making them potential preventive options.

Who can participate?
Patients aged 18 years or older admitted in the Orthopedics wards of selected hospitals who are at risk of pressure ulcers.

What does the study involve?
The study included two experimental groups and one control group in June 2022 to Feb 2023. The first experimental group received aloe vera gel, the second received olive oil, and the control group received routine skin care. The effectiveness of both treatments in preventing pressure ulcers was evaluated.
The assessment of pressure-prone areas was conducted over 11 days using the EPUAP and Braden scales.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Benefits include contributing to scientific knowledge, potential access to preventive treatments, medical monitoring, and potential skin health improvement. The study's findings may also improve patient care in the future. However, there are risks, such as adverse reactions to the substances, no guaranteed benefit, time commitment, discomfort, potential privacy concerns, and ethical considerations. Before joining, participants receive detailed information about the study, its objectives, potential risks, and benefits. Participation is voluntary and individuals can withdraw at any time without repercussions.

Where is the study run from?
Desh Bhagat University (India)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
February 2021 to February 2023

Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded

Who is the main contact?
Rajni Thapa, rajnithapa83@gmail.com

Contact information

Ms Rajni Thapa
Principal investigator

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing
Kakryal Katra Jammu
Landmark Smvd Narayana Super Speciality Hospita
Reasi District
Katra
182301
India

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0002-0033-7522
Phone +91 (0)8825022259
Email rajnithapa83@gmail.com

Study information

Primary study designInterventional
Study designInterventional non-randomized clinical trial
Secondary study designNon randomised study
Study type Participant information sheet
Scientific titleEffect of aloe vera gel versus olive oil for the prevention of pressure ulcers among bedridden patients
Study objectivesAloe vera gel reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers. Olive oil reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers.
Ethics approval(s)

1. Approved 23/06/2021, Ethical Committee Desh Bhagat University (Desh Bhagat University Punjab and GMC JAMMU, Jammu, 180003, India; +91 (0)9855007125; research@deshbhagatuniversity.in), ref: DBU/RC/872

2. Approved 04/06/2022, EC-GMC Jammu (Govt.Medical College & Hospital, Jammu, 180003, India; +91 (0)191-2584290, 91, 92 (Exchange); +91 (0)191-2582355, 56/ 2585444 (Control Room). +91 (0)191-2584234 ; pmc-gmcjammu@jk.gov.in), ref: GMC/2022/PhD/952

Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedPrevention of pressure ulcers among bed ridden patients admitted in orthopaedic ward
InterventionA quasi-experimental study including two experimental and one control group aimed at preventing pressure ulcers. Aloe vera gel was applied to experimental group 1st and olive oil was applied topically to experimental group 2 while the control group received routine skin care. All three groups evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel and olive oil in the prevention of pressure ulcers. The assessment of the pressure-prone areas was performed over the course of 11 days using the Modified EPUAP (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel) scale and the Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment scale.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measure(s)

1. Braden pressure ulcer risk reduction score as measured by the Braden Pressure ulcer risk assessment scale at 1st day pre-assessment and 1st day post-assessment
2. Incidence of pressure ulcers measured using the modified European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) assessment scale assessed on the 11th day

Key secondary outcome measure(s)

Grade/type and location/site of pressure ulcer measured using the modified European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) assessment scale assessed on the 11th day

Completion date10/02/2023

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit80 Years
SexAll
Target sample size at registration232
Total final enrolment210
Key inclusion criteria1. Subjects admitted in the Orthopedics wards of selected hospitals.
2. Subjects within the 48 hours of hospitalization in the orthopaedics wards with no pressure ulcers.
3. Having moderate to high risk (9-14) Braden pressure ulcer score (NPUAP).
4. Subjects willing to participate.
5. Subjects insensitivity to topical Aloe Vera gel and Olive oil.
6. Subjects aged over 18 years.
Key exclusion criteria1. Subjects who were discharge in between the data collection phase.
2. Having Mild Braden Pressure ulcer risks.
3. Reluctance to continue cooperation
Date of first enrolment20/06/2022
Date of final enrolment31/01/2023

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • India

Study participating centre

Government Medical College and Hospital
Maheshpura Chowk
Bakshi Nagar
Jammu
180003
India

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryAvailable on request
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request Rajni Thapa, rajnithapa83@gmail.com

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Basic results 08/03/2024 No No
Participant information sheet Participant information sheet 11/11/2025 11/11/2025 No Yes
Protocol file 21/07/2023 No No

Additional files

43964_PROTOCOL.pdf
Protocol file
ISRCTN15691944_BasicResults.pdf
Basic results

Editorial Notes

08/03/2024: Basic results added as an additional file.
21/07/2023: Study's existence confirmed by Ethical Committee Desh Bhagat University.