Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: MONISE DE MELO BISPO

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : MONISE DE MELO BISPO
DATE: 01/12/2025
TIME: 11:00
LOCAL: Departamento de Enfermagem
TITLE:

Analysis of pH as a predictive factor of the bacterial status in venous ulcers.

 

KEY WORDS:

pH; Venous ulcers; Wound infection; Nursing; Wound healing.

PAGES: 47
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Enfermagem
SUMMARY:

Venous ulcers represent an important public health problem, characterized by delayed healing, high prevalence, and significant biopsychosocial impact. The wound-healing process involves multiple local and systemic factors, including the hydrogen potential (pH), whose variation directly influences microbial activity, cell proliferation, and biofilm formation. Wounds in an acidic environment (pH between 4.5 and 5.5) tend to exhibit better healing progression, whereas alkaline values (>7.0) are associated with infection and delayed healing. However, in clinical practice, pH assessment remains underused, and there is no consensus regarding its direct relationship with the bacterial status of wounds. Objective: To analyze pH as a predictive factor of the bacterial status in venous ulcers among patients followed in Family Health Units in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Methods: This is an observational, longitudinal, and prospective study conducted with patients with venous ulcers assisted by the nursing teams of the Family Health Units of Natal/RN. Individuals aged 18 years or older, presenting venous ulcers at different stages of infection, will be included. Data will be collected using a structured instrument comprising sociodemographic, clinical, and wound-related variables. The pH will be measured using two methods — colorimetric strips and a portable pH meter — immediately after removal of the previous dressing. The bacterial status will be classified according to the International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) Consensus Document on Wound Infection in Clinical Practice (2022). Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS 20.0 software, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level set at p<0.05. The study will comply with the ethical principles established in Resolution No. 466/12 of the Brazilian National Health Council and the General Data Protection Law (Law No. 13.709/2018). Expected results: It is expected to identify a significant correlation between elevated pH values and advanced stages of infection, confirming pH as a potential predictor of the bacterial status in venous ulcers. Moreover, the study aims to assess the feasibility of using pH test strips as an alternative and accessible method for clinical practice, compared with the portable pH meter. The findings may support the development of evidence-based nursing care protocols and technologies, promoting more accurate diagnoses, reducing the inappropriate use of antimicrobials, and improving the quality of nursing care for individuals with hard-to-heal wounds.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - Georgia Gethin
Interna - 2882013 - ISABELLE KATHERINNE FERNANDES COSTA
Presidente - 1220986 - RHAYSSA DE OLIVEIRA E ARAUJO