Preventive effect of extra virgin olive oil on pressure injury development: A randomized controlled trial in Turkey

Background and purpose: Different moisturizing products are used in the prevention of pressure injuries, but there is a limited number of studies on the effectiveness of extra virgin olive oil, which is an herbal and natural product. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of topically applied extra virgin olive oil on the prevention of pressure injuries. Methods and materials: This was a randomized controlled experimental study conducted between February and October 2015 with a total of 129 patients, of whom 64 were in the control group and 65 in the extra virgin olive oil group. Results: 16.9% of patients in the extra virgin olive oil group (n = 11) and 32.8% of patients in the control group (n = 21) developed pressure injuries, and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: This study showed that the application of extra virgin olive oil is effective in preventing pressure injuries.